Concerns have been raised that three cold-stacked semi-submersible drilling rigs could end up being transported from the UK and scrapped on beaches in Asia where working conditions and environmental protection are poorly regulated.
An investigation by the Brussels-based non-governmental organisation Shipbreaking Platform has uncovered evidence that Ocean Vanguard, Ocean Princess and Ocean Nomad units, all formerly owned by Houston-based Diamond Offshore Drilling, have been sold to a cash buyer who intends to send them to Alang in India for dismantling, potentially in contravention of European regulations.
