Port of Tyne chief Matt Beeton pushes for global change after Tyne nurdle spill
The Port of Tyne chief executive has repeated his calls for international regulatory improvements amid the ongoing nurdle spillage concern.
A South Tyneside port boss has repeated his calls for international regulatory improvements amid continued anger over a dockside accident that led to an environmental crisis.
Matt Beeton, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, said he was continuing to push the International Maritime Organisation and other relevant organisations to change transportation rules.
His comments came in response to ongoing concern at the spillage of an estimated one billion plastic balls, known as nurdles, into the Tyne after a dockside accident on Sunday, July 19.
The blunder was caused by a collision between two vessels which also resulted in a crane collapsing and injuries to its operator, who the port confirmed was continuing to recover at home.
Thousands of nurdles later washed from the river into the North Sea and ended up on beaches, including in South Tyneside.
Despite a major clean-up operation, environmentalists say the damage caused is far from over.
Waste Managed, a Newcastle-based waste broker firm, said additional volunteers would support its teams in clearing affected areas.
In an update, Steve Traviss, its procurement and sustainability officer, said: “The River Tyne nurdle spill must be a wake-up call for the whole of the UK.
“a wake-up call”
“We continue to see plastic pellets escaping into our environment through failures of how they are handled and transported.
“The responsibility cannot fall to volunteers, residents and businesses once something goes wrong. The North East is the canary in the coal mine.
“We have all seen what happens when the failure of the handling and transport of plastic pellets leads to pollution, and when communities are left carrying the burden.
“There has never been a more pivotal time for us all to stand together and demand change.
“Another spill of this nature should never be allowed to become another community’s problem.”
In response, Mr Beeton agreed change was needed, adding: “An incident like this can never happen again.
“We, along with other organisations in the region, are working hard to press the International Maritime Organisation and other relevant bodies to change regulations—and, if necessary, the law—regarding the classification of nurdles and how they are carried.
“We have spoken with Government and will continue to do everything we can to press for change.
“This needs to be a global initiative for the good of the global environment.”