Best Oasis Teams Up with Japanese Shipowners in Strategic Ship Recycling Venture
New venture ‘Best Oasis Japan’ aims to capture growing demand from regional Japanese shipowners for green ship recycling solutions
By Jonathan Boonzaier | Singapore | Published 25 July 2025
Dubai-based cash buyer Best Oasis, one of the global leaders in the ship recycling industry, has expanded into the Japanese market through a significant joint venture. The newly formed entity — Best Oasis Japan — brings together Best Oasis and a group of Japanese partners, including two domestic shipowners, a leading financial institution, and a regional shipbroker.
This collaboration marks a major step in the company’s ambition to strengthen its presence in Asia’s maturing ship recycling sector. The venture is specifically targeting Japanese regional shipowners who are actively seeking safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible solutions to dispose of their end-of-life vessels.
As part of the move, Ocean Exim Trading director Hiroshi Abe has been appointed as President of Best Oasis Japan. Abe, a well-known figure in Japan’s shipping and trading community, brings over two decades of experience in ship sales, procurement, and asset disposal. His appointment reflects the venture’s intent to build a strong, culturally attuned presence in Japan.
Strategic Timing Amid HKC Momentum
The timing of the launch is strategic. With the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) on Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entering into force in June 2025, Japanese owners are under growing pressure to ensure that their vessels are recycled at HKC-compliant facilities.
Best Oasis, which already works closely with several HKC-compliant ship recycling yards in Alang, India, sees a major opportunity to serve shipowners in Japan who value transparency, compliance, and green credentials. By creating a Japan-specific entity, Best Oasis aims to offer tailored support, including local language services, technical consultancy, and logistical coordination from Japan to certified recycling yards abroad.
“We are proud to collaborate with highly respected Japanese partners to offer a complete solution to Japan’s shipowners,” said a Best Oasis spokesperson. “Japan’s fleet is one of the largest and oldest in the world. Many regional shipowners are now looking for a trustworthy partner who can handle vessel retirement in line with the highest environmental standards.”
Boosting Trust in Green Recycling
Japan’s shipowning community, known for its conservative approach to asset disposal, has historically preferred private, discreet sales and long-term relationships with service providers. Best Oasis Japan aims to address these expectations by offering a trust-based, locally managed interface while maintaining international standards of documentation and compliance.
Industry insiders believe that Japan’s ageing coastal and short-sea fleet — including general cargo ships, small bulkers, and feeders — represents a significant untapped source of recyclable tonnage.
“Best Oasis Japan will make it easier for small and mid-sized Japanese shipowners to access global recycling services without compromising on regulatory compliance or reputation,” Hiroshi Abe said following his appointment. “We will offer consultation and support at every stage — from valuation and inspection to delivery and final green recycling.”
Bridging Cultures, Connecting Markets
The move also highlights a growing trend in ship recycling — the localisation of international services. By setting up joint ventures with trusted local players, global companies like Best Oasis can overcome cultural, regulatory, and linguistic barriers in key shipping hubs.
In Japan’s case, the local presence is expected to play a critical role in building trust, navigating regulations, and managing client relationships — factors that have often posed challenges for foreign recyclers in the Japanese market.
Looking Ahead
With Hiroshi Abe at the helm and a solid network of Japanese stakeholders behind it, Best Oasis Japan is well-positioned to establish itself as a leading force in Japan’s recycling landscape.
As environmental regulations tighten and shipowners seek more sustainable ways to exit ageing vessels, ventures like this could define the next phase of green ship recycling across Asia.
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