A toxic tanker

Despite the warnings of deadly contaminants on board, multinational SBM Offshore allowed a heavily polluted gas tanker to be demolished on an Indian beach in 2018. The tanker contained high concentrations of mercury. A specialized bureau warned SBM that workers could inhale mercury fumes during demolition, leading to lasting neurological damage or even death. From discussions with those directly involved, e-mails, and confidential documents obtained by ZEMBLA, it appears SBM attempted to conceal the presence of mercury in order to avoid millions of euros in cleanup costs. Watch our episode.