Speed of Rust premieres on WaterBear
September 20, 2024
Following the fate of the FSO Safer, a mammoth oil tanker in the Red Sea, the film Speed of Rust is now available to watch on WaterBear, the impact storytelling platform for real stories that make a real impact.
The 16 minute eco-thriller sheds light on the realities of an oil spill, allowing viewers to imagine what could have happened if the 47-year-old vessel wasn’t emptied. It is a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction and a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when people unite to tackle environmental crises. The gripping film set in Yemen chronicles the last days of Ibrahim, an engineer on a doomed vessel. The vessel carried 1.1 Million barrels of oil – nearly the equivalent of 70 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Ahead of action being taken for the FSO Safer, experts warned of the risks and threat to ecosystems, shipping lanes and the welfare of millions. Civil society played a pivotal role in averting a looming environmental disaster by removing oil from the Safer and ultimately saving Yemen – its people, economy and natural environment – from a catastrophe.
Whilst Yemen was saved, the fight to protect humanity from the dangers of abandoned ships is far from over. The Safer is but one of thousands of ships coming to the end of their lives and posing catastrophic risks to surrounding areas.
The threat of unsafely discarded oil tankers is immense and requires systems to change. A report from Greenpeace found the dangers of oil spills in the UK continue to be a risk as more than half of oil spills in UK waters have ended up in protected areas. Visit WaterBear to learn more about the dangers of oil spills and who needs to be held accountable to prevent these spills.
Nicola Mulinaris, Senior Communication and Policy Advisor at NGO Shipbreaking Platform, commented: “Speed of Rust serves as a powerful tool in educating the public and policymakers on the importance of properly managing end-of-life ships to protect both people and the planet. Old maritime vessels must be recycled in safe and clean state-of-the-art facilities, rather than abandoned or broken up on the muddy beaches of South Asia, where many ships continue to be sent today.”
Sam Sutaria, CEO at WaterBear, said: “This film underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness and education about the dangers of abandoned oil tankers. By understanding the risks and consequences of these events, governing bodies can take steps to support preventative measures, advocate for stricter regulations, and contribute to a more sustainable future. WaterBear is committed to raising awareness about the potential of oil spills and promoting environmental protection through compelling storytelling. We urge policymakers, industry leaders, and individuals to prioritise the prevention and mitigation of oil spills to safeguard our planet and future generations.”
Directed by Skye Fitzgerald, Speed of Rust aims to educate viewers of the dangers of oil tankers. The feature film is a WaterBear Studios Production and produced in partnership with Greenpeace and NGO Shipbreaking Platform.
Skye Fitzgerald, Director of Speed of Rust, said: “The situation with the Safer is one of countless challenges facing the people of Yemen, who are perpetually living under the yoke of war and insecurity. What I’ve learned in my travels there, however, is that progress is possible when the international community recognises these challenges and keeps its promises to address them. My hope is that Speed of Rust will show viewers the humanitarian, geopolitical, and environmental stakes of inaction around the threats associated with the detritus of global shipping, and demonstrate there are things each of us can do to pressure our leaders to change.”
Paul Horsman, Leader of the Greenpeace Safer Response team, added: “Speed of Rust is a call to action for accountability in the fossil fuel industry. It tells the story of the Safer, an example of corporate neglect. Oil and shipping companies, that reap billions of dollars profits, must step up to ensure their ships are safely dismantled at the end of their lives, rather than leaving communities and our oceans to bear the risk.”
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