Compliant Infrastructure News

International Shipbreaking said it has become the first yard in the U.S. to gain EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SSR) accreditation, after investing $30 million in compliant infrastructure.The Brownsville, Texas site, part of EMR Metal Recycling, can now help EU-based ship owners—as well as ships flying the flags of EU member states—to responsibly recycle their ships at end of life.The regulations set standards for environmental and health and safety compliance which go above and beyond stringent U.S. regulatory requirements.

A barge carrying construction materials for U.S.-based Drummond Co Inc, Colombia's second biggest coal miner, was shipwrecked at the company's port late last week, the company said on Sunday, causing leakage of some diesel fuel into the sea. Drummond only recently reopened the port in northern Colombia after the government had shut down operations until the miner completed an upgrade to meet new environmental legislation. It missed the January deadline for finishing work. RCN Radio said the vessel was carrying 60 gallons (227 liters) of diesel oil. A Drummond statement confirmed the incident and said the crew was rescued but did not mention the amount of fuel that leaked into the sea.

European physical coal prices were lower on Monday afternoon on sluggish demand and as continuing over-supply weighed on prices. Cargoes for delivery in May to the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA) were valued at around $73.20 a tonne, almost $4 lower than the previous settlement on Friday. ARA coal for June delivery was valued around $75.65 a tonne, slightly below its previous settlement on March 25 of $76.00. "Buying has been patchy of late - there isn't much demand," one coal trader said. The API2 2015 coal futures contract saw bids of $79.65 a tonne, below Friday's settlement price of $79.91. Analysts said the market was eyeing a psychological support level of $80 a tonne but there were no clear drivers which would push prices up.