A press conference was held by Izmir Ship Dismantling Coordination regarding the warships allegedly brought from Italy to Aliağa for dismantling. Speaking at the meeting and referring to the road map for solving the problem in the region, Tugay said, “Aloof, uncontrolled and unsupervised work that would threaten human health and nature cannot be allowed here. "Izmir Metropolitan Municipality will use its inspection authority and make necessary applications to the authorized institutions," he said.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay attended the press conference held by Izmir Ship Dismantling Coordination at Izmir Architecture Center. Members of the Ship Dismantling Coordination, who made a statement and shared their concerns about the allegations that some warships of Italian origin were brought to Aliağa Ship Dismantling Facilities, gave a message of struggle. At the meeting, it was also reminded that there are scientific reports indicating that the Aliağa district of Izmir, where Turkey's only ship dismantling facility is located, exceeds its environmental load and pollution carrying capacity.
“Dismantling should be done using the dry pool technique.”
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. In his statement, Cemil Tugay pointed out that a new regulation was needed within the framework of the regulation. Underlining that there is a clear problem with Aliağa Ship Breaking Facilities, Mayor Tugay said, “I don't think there is anyone here who will say 'there is no problem'. "It is clear that if there were a ship dismantling regulation today, such a brutal dismantling would not be allowed in so many facilities and in such a narrow area," he said. Reminding that a regulation is needed, Mayor Cemil Tugay said: “There is a need for new regulation and licensing within the framework of the regulation. Most importantly, dismantling must be done using the dry pool technique. The dismantling of each ship must be carried out carefully, with reliable reporting. Here, uncontrolled, uncontrolled ship dismantling cannot be allowed to continue in the city in a way that will pollute people's health, soil, water and air. “This needs to be understood.”
“The metropolitan city will use its authority”
Mayor Tugay also touched upon the road map for solving the problem in the region and said, “Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is an institution that operates in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. It is responsible for carrying out inspections in adverse situations affecting the environment and human health. He will definitely use this authority. He will conduct more comprehensive examinations in this region in the coming days. The reports prepared within this framework will be announced to the public and the necessary applications will be made to the relevant ministries and authorized institutions. I want you to know that this process will work very quickly. As a doctor, I do not want situations that further endanger the health of our people and the health of our people working there. We are aware that our city, professional chambers and the public are very sensitive about this issue. That's why we will try to come to a point with scientific investigations and reports," he said.
“Inspections are inadequate, necessary precautions are not taken”
Making a statement on behalf of Izmir Ship Dismantling Coordination, Aykut Akdemir said that Aliağa has been struggling with the pollution created by industrial facilities and ship dismantling facilities for years. Akdemir pointed out that the names of the ships coming for dismantling have changed, but the problem continues to grow due to irregularities in the entry and dismantling processes of the ships, deficiencies in permits and reports, inappropriate working conditions, inadequate inspections and environmental measures not taken.
Aykut Akdemir stated that other relevant institutions, especially the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, have seen many times that their inspections of ships remain on paper, and asked the following questions for the authorities to answer:
“Is there a Dangerous Goods Inventory Report for the ship? Does the ship have notification approval? Has a gas free certificate been submitted before the ship arrives in Aliağa? Has dismantling permission been given for the ship? Have radiation measurements been made? What are the consequences? Have plans for recycling and waste disposal processes been submitted? Has the dismantling facility been informed that the paint on the ship potentially contains asbestos? Have the Ministry and relevant institutions made an evaluation and inspection regarding the waste content and amount? What are the environmental precautions to be taken during the dismantling process? “What are the measures regarding worker health and safety?”
He listed the precautions to be taken
Reminding that there are scientific reports showing that Aliağa exceeds its environmental load and pollution carrying capacity, Akdemir listed the precautions to be taken as follows: “There is also heavy industry in Aliağa, where Turkey's only ship dismantling facility is located. We would like to remind you that special operating conditions are required in the region that has reached its capacity. For this reason, the process should be carried out with a transparent perspective that protects employee health, environment and public health, and nature. In order to prevent the recurrence of the negativities experienced, necessary legal regulations should be made, and the operating conditions of both ship dismantling facilities and all heavy industrial facilities in Aliağa should be effectively inspected. Additionally, capacity increases and the opening of new facilities should not be allowed. Ship dismantling in businesses that violate environmental legislation and create environmental and public health problems in Aliağa should be stopped. Necessary studies should be carried out urgently to carry out the Ship Dismantling process with scientific and technical evaluations and effective public supervision.”
In 2022, the arrival of the Nae Sao Paulo ship to the Aliağa Ship Breaking Facility was objected to, and the ship was sent back due to public reaction.