The environmental group says that Hesperus, the ship, has toxic materials aboard and could pollute the environment as well as endanger lives of shipyard workers if admitted.

Port authorities said that they delayed the ship's berthing after it arrived Friday, but accused the Greenpeace activists of raising needless alarm.

"We have halted the ship as we were told by Greenpeace that it contained hazardous materials, however, no hazardous material was found on the ship, so we are allowing its beaching soon," said Alang port officer Y.P. Delukar.

"Greenpeace is unnecessarily making a big issue out of this because they get paid for doing so. There is also a dispute between the buyers and sellers now, once that is settled, we will admit the ship for anchorage," he added.

Greenpeace workers said that the port officials were trying to fool everybody.

"The port authority is trying to cover up the issue. We are absolutely certain that there are harmful substances on board. If they are so transparent, why don't they hire consultants or experts to do the checking," said Ramapati Kumar, Greenpeace activist.

The group says that the ship should be cleaned of all toxic chemicals before being brought to India.

TERRA.WIRE