From Our Staff Correspondent, CHATTOGRAM: The Italian-flagged ferry Moby Drea has sparked intense controversy across Europe. The vessel’s owner sent it from Genoa to Croatia last July with assurances that it would be refurbished and returned to service. However, reports later revealed that the ship was instead being put on the market for dismantling. At the same time, allegations emerged that the vessel carried massive asbestos contamination, prompting civil society protests in Croatia.
Anger and Protests in Croatia
In Split, public outrage had been building for weeks. The civic initiative “Zdravi Split” led demonstrations demanding the ship’s departure. Concerns grew that nearly 400 tonnes of asbestos onboard would be removed at the local Brodosplit shipyard, putting workers and nearby residents at serious health risk.
Faced with the protests, Croatia’s Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure initially ordered the vessel to leave within seven days, later extending the deadline by fifteen. According to the latest reports, the Moby Drea is finally scheduled to depart Croatia today.
Legal Questions and Dangerous Discrepancies
Civil society groups have written open letters to the government, stressing that asbestos removal constitutes ship recycling, which is strictly regulated under EU Regulation 1257/2013 and the Basel Convention. Since Brodosplit is not licensed for shipbreaking or hazardous waste management, critics argue the vessel should never have been allowed to enter Croatia in the first place.
Two official Inventories of Hazardous Materials (IHM) further fueled mistrust:
- A report dated 10 September 2024 estimated asbestos at only 64.30 tonnes.
- A later report, on 20 January 2025, put the figure closer to 400 tonnes.
This massive discrepancy has raised serious doubts about oversight and transparency.
International Concerns
Benedetta Mantoan, Policy Officer at NGO Shipbreaking Platform, warned:
“The Moby Drea carries an enormous asbestos load. It must not end up in a facility that cannot handle it safely.”
The NGO further cautioned that Turkey, a likely destination for dismantling, cannot be considered a safe option. Turkish ship recycling yards have long faced criticism for unsafe practices, particularly in managing asbestos and other toxic substances. Sending a vessel with nearly 400 tonnes of asbestos there, they argue, would endanger workers and surrounding communities.
Who Is Responsible?
Mantoan added:
“The ship owner and Italian authorities, as the flag state, now have a responsibility to ensure the vessel leaves Croatia without delay and is recycled at a certified European facility capable of handling hazardous materials in full compliance with the law.”
