New Zealand's unethical import continues
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The import of phosphate rock to New Zealand from occupied Western Sahara carries on. New shipment coming in next week.

Published 13 May 2011

Next week, the German managed bulk vessel 'Vega Taurus' will arrive Northport, New Zealand, with phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara. The trade of phosphate rock from Western Sahara is considered to be in violation of international law - and highly unethical - since it is taking in disregard of the wishes of the people of Western Sahara. 

The New Zealand fertilizer firms behind the trade pay the Moroccan government for the phosphates that they exploit in the territory Morocco illegally occupies. 

Vega Taurus (IMO number 9495731) is Liberian flagged and managed by Vega Reederei, and is scheduled to arrive on 18 May. 

Last shipment took place 2 months ago. From 15 to 18 March 2011, the vessel Stellar Eagle discharged phosphates in Tauranga, before heading to Timaru. Stellar Eagle (IMO: 9514004) is managed by Chinese firm Anglo Eastern Shipmanagement. 
 

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