13 November 2003 – THE boss of ghost ship firm Able UK today confidently declared work would start on the controversial contract as soon as January

Peter Stephenson believes he will win the legal battle to dismantle the ghost fleet at Graythorp, Hartlepool, but he warned any continued legal wrangling could end up costing hundreds of jobs, and millions of pounds, and may even lead to the permanent closure of the Graythorp facility.

He spoke as the second American vessel was set to dock today.

"We have done everything right. But if this contract doesn't go ahead, it's the end of this facility.

"It will mean the end of the refurbishment for the dry dock and its closure completely. That could mean hundreds of potential jobs that are lost."

Yesterday, journalists from across the world witnessed the historic arrival of the former US Navy vessel the Caloosahatchee into Able UK's Teesside Reclamation and Recycling Centre (TERRC).

Dozens of observers, including what police say were a number of protesters, also watched the ship pass into the River Tees, but were kept well away from the dock area.

But with the second ship expected to arrive today, question marks still hang over whether the dismantling project can proceed at all.

Able UK insists it has planning permission to create a dry dock at Graythorp thereby allowing the £11million contract to proceed.

But Hartlepool Borough Council maintains those consents are not in place meaning the project cannot go ahead. The Environment Agency has also declared that previously issued licences are invalid.

Yesterday Mr Stephenson said he had submitted signed legal documents to the council which would prove his company can construct a dry dock and a bund structure.

He predicted the council would confirm those consents once officers had seen the documents.

But despite Able UK's protestations, it will be for a judge in London to decide the legal and planning matters at the High Court next month.

A council spokesman said: "The council is faced with a judicial review in mid-December regarding some of the planning aspects in relation to the Graythorp site.

"We are still in discussions with Able UK and continue to review information from them on which we are taking legal advice.

"In these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on the planning issues."

As the first vessel was carefully tugged into place yesterday, Mr Stephenson said he was confident work could start on its dismantling in the new year.

He said: "There's no reason whatever to expect the work will not be carried out. We want to get these court proceedings resolved so we can start work in January."

Earlier this year, Mr Stephenson predicted the ghost fleet deal could pave the way for similar contracts for years to come.

He said as well as dismantling work, Able UK had also received inquiries regarding construction, including sections of the proposed Tyne tunnel.

But yesterday he revealed Able UK could stand to lose a £3.4million bond if the ghost fleet contract did not go ahead.

He said: "There is a lot of money riding on it. I have had inquiries for hundreds of millions of pounds worth of work, but if we do not get this then it will be the end of the refurbishment of the dry dock."

The second ghost ship - the Canisteo - was expected to dock at Graythorp today and should be followed next week by two more vessels.

The Government has said the first two ships can be held temporarily in Hartlepool, but should be returned to the United States as soon as possible.

Friends of the Earth and protesters from across town were on hand to object to the ship's arrival, demanding it and the others should be sent home.

Protestors gather

Protesters gathered at Able UK headquarters and then opposite the Staincliffe Hotel, in Seaton Carew, just outside Hartlepool, this morning to waive banners and placards in opposition of the ships imminent arrival today.

The group of residents from throughout Hartlepool described today docking as an "absolute disgrace" and "travesty of justice."

Grandmother-of-one, Jean Kennedy, 65, said: "Hartlepool deserves more, we do not want these ships and it is a travesty of justice that they are coming today.

"I am personally here because for my daughter and my grandchild's sake and for all the other children in the surroundings areas, they deserve a better future than what is here and what these ships will bring.

" We have spent too many years with the filth and grime of the industrial plants, we don't want anymore of this.

"Hartlepool is supposed to be having a renaissance and we want to keep this up and make it a better place .

Michael Young, 55, of Ventnor Avenue, said he was absolutely disgusted by their arrival and that sailing in the face of controversy and against all recommendations.

"I am in full support of Friends of the Earth and want to do all I can to help the people of Hartlepool.

"I think we are being used as a global dump .Have a look around at all the at all the chemical plants we have already got.

"Are we an international a tipping ground for anybody with toxic materials and anything else."