Germany has its first green ship recycling facility
Germany Launches Domestic Ship Recycling Facility
In a significant move towards sustainable practices, Germany has opened its first domestic ship recycling facility, allowing vessels to be dismantled locally instead of being sent to South Asia. EWD Benli Recycling, a subsidiary of Emden Werft und Dock, has received the necessary permits to begin operations in Emden, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to ship decommissioning. This facility will not only recycle various types of vessels but also offshore wind turbines and industrial plants.
New Facility Set to Transform Ship Recycling
EWD Benli Recycling has officially begun its operations after obtaining essential permits from the Oldenburg State Trade Supervisory Office earlier this year. The facility is equipped to dismantle a wide range of vessels, including seagoing ships, inland waterway vessels, coasters, passenger ships, and ferries. Additionally, it will handle the recycling of offshore wind turbines and industrial plants, making it a versatile player in the recycling industry.
Björn Sommer, one of the managing directors, emphasized that the facility can dismantle any vessel that can access the Port of Emden through the sea lock. This capability is crucial for ensuring that ships are recycled sustainably within Germany, rather than being sent to distant countries where environmental standards may be lacking. On August 18, 2025, Lower Saxony’s Environment Minister Christian Meyer visited the facility to discuss its potential and was informed that several inquiries for recycling services are already in progress.
Meyer expressed his satisfaction with the development, stating, “I am very pleased that the Port of Emden can now plan and build with a future in mind, so that ships can finally be recycled sustainably here and not in distant countries.” The permits granted cover the recycling of government vessels in non-commercial use, inland and coastal ships, and seagoing vessels, ensuring a comprehensive approach to ship recycling that includes dismantling and the removal of pollutants.
Addressing Environmental Concerns and Legal Hurdles
The establishment of this facility comes in response to growing concerns over environmental disasters linked to the recycling of decommissioned ships in Southeast Asia. Minister Meyer highlighted the need for domestic recycling solutions, stating that past practices have led to severe environmental and social issues. He noted that Lower Saxony, in collaboration with Bremen, has long advocated for domestic ship recycling and raw material extraction, particularly following the tightening of global environmental regulations with the Hong Kong Convention.
The Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships officially came into effect on June 26, 2025. This treaty represents a significant shift in how end-of-life vessels are managed, establishing a cradle-to-grave framework that emphasizes safe and environmentally responsible recycling practices. It mandates that only authorized facilities can dismantle ships, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental standards.
In light of these developments, the Association for Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (VSM) has called on the German government to reassess existing legal barriers that hinder sustainable ship recycling. The association argues that while European and international regulations govern ship recycling, Germany has imposed disproportionately high hurdles that complicate the professional recycling of aging vessels. They advocate for a review of these regulations to facilitate a more reasonable approach to ship recycling in the country.
