The ships are still docked in Virginia

Peter Stephenson, managing director of Able UK, has dismissed claims about the so-called "ghost fleet" as scare-mongering.

The deal to bring the 13-strong fleet of cargo and military vessels 4,000 miles across the Atlantic from Virginia, is expected to create 200 jobs at Able UK's Hartlepool yard.

But environmental groups say they are worried about the possible risks from asbestos and fuel oil.

They also claim the move will add to Teesside's image as "smoggy".

However, Mr Stephenson said the ships were not heavily contaminated with asbestos, oils and other chemicals.

He said: "There is no more risk to the marine environment during transportation than for any other ship on the high seas."

"I am in the business of creating jobs and security on Teesside, not pressing the self-destruct button.

'Pressure groups'

"Stories about ghost fleets may make good headlines but I prefer to stick to the facts and reassure my workforce, the people of Teesside and all of us who care for the environment, that this decommissioning process is being handled properly and safely.

"Only a fool would go ahead with such a dangerous, unhealthy and reckless process as some pressure groups have suggested."

Mr Stephenson added that the removal and disposal of asbestos from the ships is "no different" to removing the material from current operating ships.

And he added that the ship recycling operation in Hartlepool was the safest in the world.

"Those who carelessly point the finger of doom should check their facts properly before they try to panic the people of Teesside and beyond," Mr Stephenson said.

Peter Goodwin, from the Middlesbrough Green Party, said the deal would be detrimental to the area.

He said: "It will reinforce the smoggy image of Teesside.

"This fleet of waste, along with other recent things like the cattle fat burning, makes the area appear as somewhere which is full of hazardous waste."