European Recyclers Call for Stronger EU Ship Recycling Framework
European recyclers are urging policymakers to address the growing challenges facing the ship recycling industry with a manifesto to strengthen sustainable practices within the European Union. The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) Ship Recycling Group (ESRG) has outlined four key priorities to overhaul the EU’s approach to ship recycling, emphasizing the importance of reducing environmental harm and ensuring safety.
At the core of ESRG’s manifesto is a call to keep more ships within the EU for recycling, diverting them from unsafe and environmentally harmful operations in non-EU regions. According to the group, a more robust and equitable framework could establish Europe as a global ship recycling industry leader while supporting its broader circular economy goals.
Four Pillars of Reform
The manifesto identifies four critical areas for improvement:
- Creating a Level Playing Field: ESRG advocates for harmonizing conditions between EU and non-EU recyclers, ensuring European recyclers can compete fairly without compromising on safety and environmental standards.
- Expanding the Scope of the Ship Recycling Regulation: The current regulation applies only to EU-flagged vessels, leaving many ships outside its jurisdiction. ESRG argues that this scope must be broadened to include a larger number of vessels operating in European waters.
- Reducing Administrative Burdens: Simplifying procedures for European recyclers could make the sector more efficient and competitive, particularly as it faces rising costs compared to less-regulated facilities abroad.
- Enhancing Enforcement: Strengthening oversight to prevent harmful practices such as “beaching” and reflagging—where ships are registered under non-EU flags to evade regulations—is essential for achieving the EU’s sustainability goals.
Leading by Example
ESRG believes the EU is uniquely positioned to set a global standard for safe and sustainable ship recycling practices. By adopting the proposed manifesto, the group asserts that the EU can demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility while fostering a robust internal market for secondary raw materials.
“By keeping valuable recovered materials within the EU, policymakers could further support the development of a market for secondary raw materials,” the group stated. Recovered metals and other materials from decommissioned ships are vital for various industries, contributing to the EU’s broader circular economy ambitions.
However, ESRG emphasizes that achieving this vision requires evolving the legislative framework governing ship recycling. The group insists that existing regulations must be expanded and enforced more rigorously to prevent the exploitation of loopholes that allow ships to bypass EU standards.
A Critical Juncture
The timing of the manifesto is significant. The Ship Recycling Regulation, adopted in 2013, is currently undergoing evaluation ahead of an anticipated revision. ESRG sees this as a critical opportunity for the EU to cement its leadership role in the global ship recycling industry.
“A strong EU ship recycling sector, with fewer vessels leaving Europe at the end of their life, is within reach,” says Julia Ettinger, secretary general of EuRIC.
“The ongoing evaluation and upcoming revision of the Ship Recycling Regulation presents a critical opportunity for the EU to take decisive action and enhance its leadership in the global ship recycling industry,” she added.
Ettinger highlights Europe’s high standards for safety and sustainability, suggesting they should serve as a global benchmark for ship recycling practices. By investing in domestic capabilities and enforcing stricter measures on non-compliant operations, the EU could influence global standards and reduce the environmental and human cost of ship recycling.
The Challenges of “Beaching” and Reflagging
One of the major challenges facing the ship recycling industry is the prevalence of beaching, a practice where ships are dismantled on beaches in countries with less stringent regulations, such as Bangladesh and India. This method often leads to severe environmental pollution and poses significant risks to workers due to inadequate safety measures.
Reflagging further exacerbates the problem. Many shipowners register their vessels under non-EU flags to circumvent strict regulations, allowing them to send ships to lower-cost facilities that do not adhere to EU standards.
Addressing these practices is at the heart of ESRG’s call for enhanced enforcement. The group stresses that stricter oversight and penalties are necessary to close regulatory gaps and discourage shipowners from exploiting these harmful loopholes.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The push for stronger EU leadership in ship recycling aligns with the bloc’s broader environmental and economic goals. A thriving European ship recycling sector would not only reduce reliance on unsustainable practices abroad but also create jobs and support industries that depend on recycled materials.
For ESRG, the message is clear: Europe has the potential to lead by example. By taking decisive action now, the EU can strengthen its commitment to sustainability, foster a competitive ship recycling industry, and inspire global change.
The revision of the Ship Recycling Regulation represents a pivotal moment for the EU to make meaningful progress. With its high standards and focus on safety and sustainability, Europe is well-positioned to establish itself as a global leader in ship recycling—provided it rises to the challenge.
As policymakers prepare to review the regulation, all eyes will be on whether the EU can seize this opportunity to transform the ship recycling industry and chart a course toward a safer, greener future.
