The European Commission (EC) has published technical guidance for ship recycling facilities that want to be approved under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.
With this step, the European Union (EU) strives for a relocation of ship recycling to platforms that can ensure sustainable practices. Facilities that intend to be listed as EU-approved will need to ensure safe working conditions, pollution control including proper downstream waste management and enforcement of international labour rights.
Companies such as Hapag Lloyd, Wilhelmsen, Grieg and Royal Dutch Boskalis already work with sustainable ship recycling yards in Europe, China and Turkey. These yards will most likely feature on the EU list after having provided evidence that they comply with the requirements.
Picture: Ships beached in Gadani Pakistan, November 2013 (picture by NGO Shipbreaking Platform).
