Key Takeaways
- The former Interislander ferry Aratere, now renamed Vega, is still in New Zealand waters despite being retired and sold for scrap in October.
- The ship’s age and requirement for significant modification or specialist port infrastructure make it unsuitable for most ferry operators.
- The Basel Convention, an international treaty, controls the movement of hazardous waste and requires New Zealand to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible recycling of the ship.
- The ship’s export application is complete, but it is awaiting permission from the Indian authorities to enter the country for dismantling.
- The Environmental Protection Authority is responsible for ensuring New Zealand meets its obligations under the Basel Convention.
Introduction to the Aratere’s Current Status
The Vega, formerly known as the Aratere, is currently docked in Nelson Harbour, despite being retired from service in August and sold for scrap in October. The ship’s presence in New Zealand waters has raised questions about its fate, given that it was supposed to be dismantled in India. The Aratere was taken out of service to make way for new rail-enabled ferries that are scheduled to arrive in 2029, and its age and requirement for significant modification or specialist port infrastructure made it unsuitable for most ferry operators.
The Reason for the Delay
The reason for the delay in the ship’s departure from New Zealand is due to the Basel Convention, an international treaty that controls the movement of hazardous waste. The convention requires countries to ensure that the recycling of ships is done in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. In New Zealand, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for ensuring that the country meets its obligations under the convention. The EPA has completed the application for the ship’s export, but it is awaiting permission from the Indian authorities to allow the ship to enter the country for dismantling.
The Basel Convention and Ship Dismantling
The Basel Convention notes that ship dismantling can have sustainability benefits through the recycling of materials, but it also has a history of taking advantage of developing countries and exposing people to health and environmental risks such as asbestos and oils. To prevent this, the convention requires countries to ensure that ships are dismantled in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. In the case of the Aratere, its new owners had to complete an application with the EPA, which has now been completed. However, the Indian authorities have not yet given permission for the ship to enter the country, and the EPA cannot finalize the export application until this consent is granted.
The Environmental Protection Authority’s Role
The Environmental Protection Authority plays a crucial role in ensuring that New Zealand meets its obligations under the Basel Convention. The authority is responsible for reviewing applications for the export of hazardous waste, including ships, and ensuring that they are disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. In the case of the Aratere, the EPA has completed the application process, but it is awaiting permission from the Indian authorities to allow the ship to enter the country for dismantling. The EPA’s role is to ensure that the ship is recycled in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and human health, and it will continue to work with the ship’s owners and the Indian authorities to ensure that this is done.
Conclusion
The Aratere, now renamed Vega, is still in New Zealand waters due to the requirements of the Basel Convention and the need for permission from the Indian authorities to allow the ship to enter the country for dismantling. The Environmental Protection Authority has completed the application process, but it is awaiting consent from the Indian authorities to finalize the export application. The delay in the ship’s departure from New Zealand is a result of the need to ensure that the ship is recycled in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and the EPA will continue to work to ensure that this is done. The fate of the Aratere is a reminder of the importance of responsible waste management and the need for countries to work together to protect the environment and human health.