NYK and Oono Development Sign MoU to Commercialize Ship Recycling Business
NYK and Oono Development Partner for Safe and Green Ship Recycling in Japan
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Oono Development Co., Ltd. have joined forces to explore a new way of recycling ships in Japan. This effort focuses on breaking down large ships and offshore structures safely and turning them into reusable materials like steel scrap. They signed a special agreement, called a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), on September 18 at NYK’s head office in Tokyo. Important leaders like NYK Chairman Hitoshi Nagasawa, President Takaya Soga, and Oono Development Chairman Teruo Ohno attended the ceremony, showing how committed both companies are to this project.
Ship Recycling Process in Japan
The actual work of breaking down ships will happen at a special dry dock owned by Oono Development in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. This is the only dry dock in Japan big enough to handle large ocean-going ships. The dry dock measures 810 meters in depth, 92 meters wide, and 14.3 meters high, making it one of the largest in Japan. The dock is so big that it can handle two large ships at the same time!
Oono Development has developed a special, environmentally friendly method for dismantling ships. This process not only safely recycles steel and other materials but also makes sure harmful waste is treated carefully to protect the environment. By using land-based technology, the company ensures that no oil or other harmful materials spill into the sea. Their goal is to be both safe and efficient.
Key Features of the Ship Recycling Project
- Procurement of vessels: Finding large ships that are ready to be dismantled.
- Dismantling ships: Breaking them down safely at the dry dock.
- Resource recovery: Selling valuable materials like steel scrap and marine equipment.
- Transporting steel: Moving recycled materials across Japan.
- Toxic waste treatment: Properly disposing of harmful substances.
The dry dock sits on a 39-hectare site, giving it plenty of space for operations. A new facility for generating electricity by burning industrial waste will also be built. This ensures that every part of the process is sustainable. The site has both a mooring quay and a coastal quay, so ships can dock and valuable materials like scrap iron can be easily removed.
Promoting a Circular Economy
Oono Development is known for its work in environment-related businesses. They aim to promote a circular economy, where materials are reused instead of wasted. By using large machines and advanced techniques, they make sure ship recycling is fast, safe, and eco-friendly.
For its part, the NYK Group is committed to responsible ship recycling. They follow the rules of the Ship Recycling Convention, which sets standards for safely dismantling ships. NYK also wants to expand its role in industries outside shipping, especially in areas that help reduce carbon emissions. This partnership with Oono Development supports NYK’s goal of reducing pollution and creating new eco-friendly businesses.
Together, NYK and Oono Development hope to lead the way in ship recycling, combining safety, efficiency, and environmental care. Their joint efforts will help Japan continue to recycle resources while protecting the planet.
