Germany opens up for ship recycling
Germany Launches First Ship Recycling Facility
Germany has taken a significant step towards sustainable ship dismantling with the approval of its first facility dedicated to the recycling of large vessels. Located in Emden and operated by EWD Benli Recycling, this facility has received the necessary governmental permits after a year-long approval process. The initiative aims to address environmental concerns associated with the current practice of sending decommissioned ships to South Asia for dismantling.
Facility Overview and Operations
The EWD Benli Recycling facility, situated on the grounds of Emder Werft und Dock, is poised to become a key player in the ship recycling industry. The company plans to focus on dismantling various types of vessels, including seagoing ships, inland waterway vessels, coasters, passenger ships, and ferries. Additionally, the facility will handle the recycling of wind turbines and industrial plants.
Founded in 1903, the yard currently employs 150 workers and boasts two floating docks, a dry dock, and nearly 2 kilometers of quay facilities. Björn Sommer, one of the managing directors, expressed enthusiasm about the facility’s capabilities, stating, “In principle, we will be able to dismantle anything that can enter the port of Emden through the sea lock.” This flexibility positions the facility to cater to a wide range of dismantling needs.
The establishment of this facility comes as a response to the alarming trend of sending decommissioned ships to South Asia, where safety and environmental regulations have been a longstanding concern. According to the German Shipowners’ Association, approximately 700 ships are scrapped annually, with many ending up in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. The new facility aims to provide a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative for ship recycling.
Regulatory Context and Future Implications
The launch of EWD Benli Recycling is timely, coinciding with the upcoming enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships in June. This convention mandates that shipbreaking yards be certified for occupational safety and environmental protection by independent classification societies. The facility’s compliance with these standards will be crucial in establishing its credibility in the industry.
Since late 2018, the EU Ship Recycling Regulation has required all large seagoing vessels flying the flag of an EU member state to utilize an approved yard listed in the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. The most recent update includes 43 facilities, with 31 located in Europe, 11 in Turkey, and one in the United States. EWD Benli Recycling’s entry into this market not only enhances Germany’s ship recycling capabilities but also aligns with broader European efforts to promote sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
