asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware of the structural weaknesses recently manifested in oiltankers of 100,000 tons deadweight and upwards which require their reconstruction; and whether he will require certificates from owners of such tankers that appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure structural stability if navigation within Irish territorial waters is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Structural Stability of Oiltankers.
5.
I am aware that structural weaknesses have been reported in some very large tankers. I understand these weaknesses were revealed either at the trial stages or during the very early stages of commercial operation in heavy weather. No casualties have been attributed to these causes and the vessels concerned have been modified. I understand that in the light of these experiences the classification societies are raising the relevant standards.
The standards of structural strength of cargo ships, including tankers, are governed by the International Load Line Convention, 1930, which has been adopted by Ireland and practically every other maritime country. All cargo ships, Irish or foreign, using Irish ports must conform to the prescribed international standards of structural strength and must carry an International Certificate to that effect. Any ship which is unable to produce such a certificate would be refused clearance from any port in any Convention country. The 1930 Convention has been modified and extended, in particular, to cover vessels of the larger sizes now being built, by the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, which is due to come into operation next July for ratifying countries. I propose to introduce legislation within the next few months to enable this country to implement this Convention.
Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the facts provided recently in the London Times relating to this matter? Secondly, has his attention been drawn to the catastrophe off Puerto Rico recently reminiscent of the disaster which overtook the oiltanker off the south-west coast of England last year and the emergency procedures that have had to be instituted by the United States Government to avoid virtual destruction of the Puerto Rican tourist traffic? Thirdly, is the Minister aware that his reference to the Convention on Load Lines has nothing whatever to do with the problem which I seek to draw to his attention, that is, the danger of tankers of 200,000 and 300,000 tons deadweight breaking up in our territorial waters, with catastrophic consequences not only for the fish life but for the tourist amenities of the whole south-west of Ireland if such ships are habitually to use Bantry Bay?
I have read the report of which the Deputy speaks. Secondly, I can inform the Deputy that the representatives of the Gulf Oil Corporation have informed us that their tankers are being built according to the very strict specifications of the Lloyds Classification Society and that they are also insisting that the tankers which take the off-load from the tanks in Whiddy Island will also conform to the highest level of classification standards. I do not think the Deputy need have any fear in regard to that. Thirdly, the Puerto Rican vessel broke in half through striking a reef and not necessarily because of any inherent defect in its structure. The channel through which the boat passes is an extremely dangerous one in certain types of weather. The tanker broke through striking a reef.
The Minister spoke, for the purpose of reassuring the House, of his intention to introduce legislation consequent upon the Convention to cover load lines. Would he consider representing on behalf of the Irish Government that that Convention should not confine itself to load lines but also should provide for minimal structural specifications for these vast new tankers in respect of which we have no practical experience but, as the Minister says, in respect of which experimental experience has revealed the grave danger of structural collapse owing to their vast size and and the vast vacant space within the hull?
I understand that although the name of the Convention is the Convention on Load Lines, when the Classification Societies examine the design of a ship before it is built and determine upon the load line, they determine also the structure of the ship and the strength of the ship in order that the ship may be able to operate with safety to a particular load line. So that it does cover structural strength in addition to the mere declaration of what the load line of the vessel is.
I may take it then that the Minister will introduce legislation in due course based on this Convention which will give this House an opportunity of providing that there shall be certain minimal structural safeguards before any of this type of ship is allowed to operate in Irish territorial waters?
I am not able to say.
Perhaps the Minister would look into that at his convenience and see if the Convention mentions that precaution?
Apart from the Bill coming before the House, we are already satisfied that the 300,000-ton tankers are being built according to very conservative standards, the very highest standards, in relation to structural strength.
I warn the Minister that my information is that some of them are buckling in their test run—several of them.