Brodosplit Shipyard is facing backlash from local residents over its plans to restore the aging cruise ship, Moby Drea, which contains asbestos partition panels. Although the shipyard intended to remove the asbestos, community concerns led to a government order for the ship’s removal, reflecting heightened sensitivities around the material due to the region’s history with asbestos-related health issues.
Originally built in 1975, the Moby Drea has undergone significant modifications, including a 1998 refit that increased its capacity and tonnage. Despite its age, the vessel was sold for scrap in May but was later accepted at Brodosplit for asbestos removal. The ship is now owned by Med Fuel, a bunkering company based in Messina, and plans to refit the ship for continued commercial service were announced.
Local protests emerged against the shipyard’s operations, prompting the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure to issue a removal order. Brodosplit stated that the asbestos was contained and that air tests showed no contamination. However, the ministry has mandated that the Moby Drea must leave Croatian waters by early September, with an extension granted to facilitate its safe tow out of the country.
