Will R-Bulk's partner follow?

Last Friday, the Norwegian company R-Bulk said they will do their utmost to prevent further shipments from Western Sahara. Japan-Sahara Association has now sent a letter to the Japanese shipping company that rent their vessels.

Published 02 June 2008

Monday 2nd of June Japan-Sahara Association sent a letter to the Japanese company Sanko Lines. See the letter here (in Japanese original and in English).

The letter reads the following: 

"R-Bulk management said to Norwegian media on Friday that they apologise for the ‘Radiance’ shipment, and that “we have made contact with the shipping company that has chartered the vessel, so that they can do their utmost to prevent this from happening again in the future". 

We, the undersigned, urge you to demonstrate your attachment to International Legality, Human Rights and basic standards of Corporate Social Responsibility by issuing a statement confirming that you have indeed taken measures to guarantee that shipments from occupied Western Sahara are avoided in the future."

The Radiance vessel that in April transported phosphates to Colombia is on a long term contract to Sonko Lines, who have in their turn rented the vessel out to Pacific Basin UK.
 

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