SBM Offshore : Recycling of Yetagun FSO in accordance with international standards

SBM Offshore has been made aware of a broadcast to be aired soon on the Dutch national TV about the recycling of the Yetagun FSO.

First and foremost, the recycling of the Yetagun FSO was performed in full accordance with widely recognized international standards. SBM Offshore has taken the measures necessary to ensure that people and the environment were sufficiently protected throughout its activities. This was assessed and confirmed by independent surveyors who certified that none of the yard personnel were exposed to any hazardous vapors during the dismantling of the vessel.

Apparently the documentary is more specially questioning the following topics:

Overall Yetagun FSO recycling process

SBM offshore has monitored the whole recycling process before and after it sold the vessel to the buyer in Indonesia. Both the buyer and the recycling facility were vetted to ensure compliance with SBM Offshore's recycling policy. The yard is compliant with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, ISO and OHSAS standards as certified by a leading Classification Society.

Reports on mercury levels

Two surveys were carried out in Indonesia to ascertain mercury levels in the steel in the Yetagun FSO. The first survey was carried out by a small company. It was appointed by the cleaning contractor which SBM Offshore had hired. Given the outcome of the first survey, SBM Offshore initiated a second survey, which was carried out by a more specialized company. Of course SBM Offshore provided both reports to the buyer in order to allow the buyer to be fully informed and to be able to plan accordingly.

Exposure to mercury vapors and use of Personal Protective Equipment

The independent body, ClassNK, certified that none of the yard personnel were exposed to any hazardous vapors during the dismantling of the Yetagun FSO. SBM Offshore requested ClassNK to be given free access to the yard, which was granted. ClassNK did not notify the yard prior to their many visits.

SBM Offshore supported the yard in procuring special mercury monitoring instruments and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that was provided to workers in the tanks. These workers were also trained appropriately. Workers could take off the special PPEs when work in the tanks was stopped. For other areas, workers were using common PPE.