Will approve to tow MT New Diamond away once negotiation is completed: MEPA

1 October 2020 08:17 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has informed the Attorney General as well as the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre at the Navy Headquarters that the MEPA will grant approval to tow MT New Diamond away from of Sri Lankan waters, once the negotiation process is completed.

In a letter addressed to the Director General (Operations) of Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre at Navy Headquarters in Colombo 01, MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said they are in the process of negotiating through AG’s Dept., with the Owners / P & I Club and their lawyers to secure a guarantee for the environmental pollution resulted due the oil spill from the aforementioned casualty.

“Please note that MEPA will grant approval to tow the ship away from of Sri Lankan waters as per the authority given to MEPA by the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008, once the negotiation process is completed,” it said.

The copies of the letter have been sent to the Attorney General, Secretary to the President, Defense Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Secretary, Navy Commander and the Director General of the Department of Merchant Shipping.

Comments - 3

Citizen Friday, 02 October 2020 04:25 AM

Does MEPA know what they are doing! What is the extent of pollution to claim so much! Hilarious ! Certainly will end up in arbitration the if appeals in admiralty courts having to pay the cost too. LOI is the best option!

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Odin Friday, 02 October 2020 06:53 AM

Hope there will be no more leakes in the meantime!

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Sokrates Friday, 02 October 2020 08:48 AM

The SL Navy is neither equipped nor has the experience for such a task. There are highly qualified international companies that can do this job. The shipowner has to pay the costs for this anyway. Towing away is not the solution and can only lead to an environmental disaster, for which the SL Navy is responsible than.

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