A new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been initiated for the Aliağa Ship Recycling Facility, which has long been on the agenda due to environmental and worker health controversies. The new report submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change indicates that the facility's operational area will be expanded, particularly the coastal boundary section on the sea side. The Ship Recycling Industry Association projects an investment of 95.7 million TL for the project.
The facility operating in Aliağa, Izmir, had previously sought similar expansion, but the process was suspended due to anticipated revisions in local zoning plans. Following the Ministry's recent publication of new zoning plans for public review, the association reapplied to expand the operational area. The company has recorded that 1,004 vessels have been dismantled at member facilities over the past 10 years.
The facility has a controversial history regarding environmental and health standards. Previously, 17 civil society organizations sent an open letter to the European Commission calling for the cancellation of the facility's EU certifications. The certification revocation request was based on non-compliance with environmental legislation and worker health and safety standards. A report prepared by Ege University in previous years detected high concentrations of heavy metals in plant samples from Aliağa and its vicinity.
An investigative motion was submitted to Parliament with signatures from 22 lawmakers, led by Labor Party MPs İskender Bayhan and Sevda Karaca. The motion requests a comprehensive examination of worker fatalities and environmental damage at the Aliağa Ship Recycling Facility. The party has called for scrutiny of practices that disregard worker health and the environment, and for holding those responsible accountable.
Upon completion of the EIA process, the Ministry is expected to make a final decision on the facility's expansion project. Local communities and environmental organizations are calling for a transparent process with public participation. The ship recycling sector in Aliağa stands out as one of Türkiye's key centers in this field, though it remains under scrutiny due to its environmental and social dimensions.
Key Takeaways:
1. A new Environmental Impact Assessment report has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change for the Aliağa Ship Recycling Facility.
2. The project will expand the facility's operational area with an investment of 95.7 million TL.
3. A total of 1,004 vessels have been dismantled at association member facilities over the past 10 years.
4. 17 civil society organizations had called for cancellation of EU certifications due to non-compliance with environmental and worker health standards.
5. 22 lawmakers submitted an investigative motion to Parliament requesting examination of worker fatalities and environmental damage.
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