U.K. Reverses Position on MarAd Ship Break

The controversy surrounding the transport and break up of U.S. ships in the U.K. has taken another turn, as the U.K. Environment Agency (EA)said that, on re-examination, it has determined that the license modification that it previously issued to Able UK allowing it to dismantle ships owned by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) was incorrect. Able UK will have to apply for a new license and processing of such an application is lengthy. The MarAd ships may have to be returned to the United States until this matter is resolved, though MarAd issued a release saying that the transit would continue while a solution was sought. (Source: HK Law, Staff Reports)