Competitiveness Minister Censu Galea was replying during question time yesterday to Joe Mizzi who referred to the Greenpeace press conference held the previous day.

Some of these ships which will have to be scrapped are listed on the Maltese register, Mr Galea said.

Greenpeace claimed that many of the ships being scrapped constitute a hazard because of toxic elements, the way in which the scrapping is being carried out and fuel left to damage the environment.

Malta adheres to IMO and EU standards, Mr Galea said. Government will look into the question and will try to ensure that any scrapping does not cause harm to the environment.

Mr Mizzi pointed out that most of the scrapping is done in third world countries.

Mr Galea said that the Maltese authorities will try to ensure that the owners tell MMA of their decision to scrap the ships so as to get them to use the clean tank system.