The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has welcomed the British Columbia government’s decision to cancel the Crown land lease of Deep Water Recovery Ltd. (DWR) in Union Bay, putting an end to years of hazardous shipbreaking along the Baynes Sound shoreline.
The move comes after sustained pressure from Union Bay residents, the K’ómoks First Nation, and environmental organizations, who voiced concern over DWR dismantling vessels with asbestos and other toxic materials without proper permits or oversight.
“This is a hard-fought and well-deserved victory. The province’s decision sends a clear message that dangerous shipbreaking practices will not be tolerated,” said Nicola Mulinaris, Senior Communication and Policy Advisor at the NGO Shipbreaking Platform.
Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid-Island-Pacific Rim, praised the community’s efforts: “I deeply appreciate all the advocacy, letters, and meetings with local residents, organisations and leaders since 2021,” she said, thanking ministers and staff for acting on the issue.
The province stated that DWR “has not demonstrated the level of regulatory compliance, operational responsibility, or environmental stewardship required,” justifying the lease cancellation as a move to “protect the public interest.”
While the decision marks a milestone, derelict vessels and industrial waste still litter the site. The Platform is now calling for urgent cleanup under government supervision and renewed pressure on the federal government to introduce binding ship recycling legislation aligned with international and EU standards.
