Improving How Ships Get Recycled: A Deep Dive into Doing It Right

Improving How Ships Get Recycled: A Deep Dive into Doing It Right

Ship recycling is a big deal in the world of maritime operations, but it comes with some serious environmental and social challenges. To tackle these challenges effectively, we need good governance. That means following principles that focus on the Environment, Social issues, and Governance (ESG). In this article, we’re going to dive into the important parts of governing ship recycling, showing you the best practices in the industry and why taking a comprehensive approach is key.

1. Taking Care of the Environment
   • Ship recycling needs to be eco-friendly. That’s why some yards use special flooring that meets the standards set by the Hong Kong Convention (HKC). These floors are super tough and stop harmful liquids from leaking into the ground. They also use heavy lift cranes to take big pieces off ships without touching the water, showing they go beyond basic rules to protect the environment.
2. Looking Out for People
   • The human side of ship recycling is just as important. In places like the Alang-Sosiya yards, they follow ISO 45001 standards. This means they focus on keeping workers safe and making sure they have a say in what goes on. They have rules against things like child labor and discrimination, showing they care about their workers’ well-being.
3. Being Open and Honest
   • Transparency is crucial in ship recycling. That’s why some yards allow outside groups, like the Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP), to keep an eye on what they’re doing. They share regular reports with everyone involved to make sure they’re handling hazardous materials safely. Plus, they have a system in place to track every step of the process, proving they’re serious about being open and accountable.
4. Doing the Right Thing
   • Ethical behavior is a must. Yards like Alang-Sosiya have strict policies against discrimination and child labor. They believe in fairness for everyone and make sure vulnerable groups are protected.
5. Getting Everyone Involved
   • Engaging with stakeholders is key to success. Classification societies play a big role by checking that yards meet the HKC standards. They do regular checks to make sure everything is up to scratch, encouraging a culture of always improving. Plus, they follow ISO 45001:2008 rules, emphasizing the importance of talking to workers, ship owners, local communities, and regulators to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
6. Following the Rules
   • Governments also play a part in keeping things in line. In India, for example, there are several bodies, like the Directorate General of Shipping, overseeing ship recycling activities. This helps ensure that everyone follows responsible recycling practices, keeping high standards at both national and local levels.
7. Dealing with Risks
   • Ship recycling can be risky, so it’s important to be prepared. Yards do regular drills to practice for emergencies like fires or oil spills. This helps workers know what to do if something goes wrong, making risk management a vital part of responsible recycling.

In conclusion, the key to better ship recycling lies in taking a comprehensive approach to governance. By focusing on the environment, social issues, and good governance, yards can not only meet ESG standards but also excel in ethical behavior, involving stakeholders, and always striving to do better. As the industry evolves, sticking to these principles will be crucial for a sustainable and ethical future.