Toxic 'ghost ships' delayed

Plans to bring a "ghost fleet" of toxic American ships to be scrapped in Britain ran into an obstacle today - in the unlikely shape of Belgium.

The first of 13 former US navy ships, condemned and contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals, had been set to start their Atlantic crossing today after a court in Washington threw out objections from environmental campaigners.

But Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which must approve the voyage from Virginia to a scrapyard in Hartlepool, said it faced a delay because neighbouring countries had not completed the necessary paperwork.

While Ireland and France were expected to give the all-clear, Belgium appeared to harbour doubts.

A source close to the dealings said: "We understand the Belgians have given their verbal consent but we need their explicit permission - and they have not been forthcoming."

All three countries effectively hold a veto over the movement of such vessels through their waters. Belgium could block the ships from using their planned route through the Dover Strait.

A further nine ships are still held in the US because safety inspectors have not approved them as seaworthy.