A new organisation representing a group of ship demolition companies has launched itself with a stinging attack on the three main shipbreaking countries.

Liu Guohong, chairman of the International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA), said''With the foundation of the ISRA we can start to work on the international legislation of this important issue in our industry. As responsible ship recyclers we can join our forces against the dreadful practices of countries that allow beaching methods. We want this organisation to bring a voice to the IMO. We want to show the world, things can be done in a green, high-quality way and there can still be return and it is good business.''

ISRA's founder members include two Chinese, six Turkish, a Dutch and an American yard, together with the national Ship Association of Turkey have applied for membership.

According to a statement the new association will strive to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, ideas, novelties and training programs. ISRA will also promote worldwide ship dismantling at a high environmentally sound and technical level. The members agree to have their yards certified to the latest standards. ISRA also says it will pursue the membership of yards in the developing countries. But there will be conditions.

ISRA says: ''These yards must accept the ISRA guidelines and be willing to make investments for upgrading their yards to the required level. Furthermore ISRA will show alternatives for beaching vessels. The protection of the return of investments for its members will also be looked upon. Another important goal is to change the image of the dismantling industry and make ship recycling more attractive to shipowners.''

The statement adds that the association is to be founded in The Netherlands under Dutch law. The secretariat will be located in The Hague and the annual meetings will take place in member states or in The Hague. The following yards have successfully applied for membership of ISRA: Chine Jiang Xiajang Changjiang Shiprepair Yard and Zhongxin Ship Recycling & Steel Co. (both from China), OGe Gemi Sokum, Cemas Celik, Leyal Ship Recycling, Adem Simsek & Simsekler Group, Demtas and Dortel Ship Recycling Limited & Co. (all from Turkey), Sparrows Point Shipyard (US) and Scheepsloperij Nederland BV (The Netherlands).