Greenpeace meets minister

Representatives from Greenpeace yesterday met Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea to discuss the issue of ship breaking and its environmental impact.

Mr Galea said that Malta, being the fifth largest ship registry in the world, is committed to promote an awareness of the concept of ship breaking. "We have always been very active and sensitive to issues affecting ship safety and environmental regulations," the minister said.

"In fact, as a result of more stringent rules and regulations we envisage a shift of vessels flying the Maltese flag to other countries that offer flexible regulations. Nevertheless, we have always maintained that the Maltese registry is not a flag of convenience," Mr Galea said.

Greenpeace claims a number of Maltese-registered ships are being broken up in Asian countries every year in a process that poses both health and environmental hazards.