World Shipping Council Calls for Expansion and Reform in EU Ship Recycling Practices
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has voiced its concerns in response to the European Commission’s 14th public consultation on “Ship Recycling – European List of Ship Recycling Facilities.” In its statement, the WSC highlights critical gaps in the current framework, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to address the increasing demands of the global liner fleet.
While the publication of the 14th European List of Ship Recycling Facilities marks progress in regulating the recycling of decommissioned vessels, the WSC asserts that the current list is insufficient to meet the industry’s needs. The limited number and capacity of EU-approved facilities are particularly inadequate for handling the recycling requirements of larger vessels, a segment growing in prominence as global trade scales up.
“Expanding the number and geographic diversity of approved facilities is crucial,” the WSC said in its statement. “Such expansion will not only address the capacity shortfall but also ensure that vessels are recycled safely and sustainably.”
The current bottleneck has led many operators to seek recycling solutions outside the EU, potentially exposing them to practices that may not meet the EU’s strict environmental and safety standards. Addressing this shortfall, the WSC calls for broader inclusion of non-EU facilities that can demonstrate compliance with established international benchmarks.
The WSC urges the EU to adopt a proactive approach by evaluating ship recycling facilities beyond its borders and incorporating them into its approved list when they meet necessary standards. This inclusive strategy, the Council argues, would elevate global recycling practices and reinforce the EU’s position as a leader in environmental responsibility.
“The EU has a unique opportunity to promote best practices worldwide,” the WSC emphasized. “By doing so, it can inspire other regions to align with these high standards, creating a ripple effect that advances sustainable practices across the globe.”
Transparent and consistent auditing standards, irrespective of a facility’s geographic location, are seen as pivotal to this effort. The WSC critiques the current framework, which automatically includes EU facilities without rigorous audits, as inconsistent with the principles of fairness and excellence. A more uniform auditing process would not only foster trust but also establish the EU as a global benchmark in ship recycling practices.
The WSC highlights the importance of integrating industry expertise into the EU’s ship recycling framework. By incorporating best practices and ensuring stringent oversight, the EU can enhance the environmental and safety standards of recycling facilities worldwide.
“Sharing best practices through transparent reporting elevates global standards and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement,” the WSC stated. This approach, the Council believes, would encourage the adoption of effective strategies across the international community and position the EU as a model for responsible recycling.
On the international stage, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) is poised to enter into force in 2025. The WSC underscores the importance of the EU’s leadership in revising and implementing the HKC to establish a cohesive global framework for ship recycling.
The HKC, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009, aims to ensure that ship recycling does not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, or the environment. By aligning its policies with the HKC and advocating for its recognition as the primary legal framework governing ship recycling, the EU can help streamline regulations and eliminate overlaps that create uncertainty in the industry.
“Recognizing the HKC as the primary legal framework clarifies global standards and reduces ambiguity,” the WSC noted. “This step is crucial for the industry to move forward with confidence and a unified approach to sustainability.”
Safe and sustainable recycling practices are integral to the maritime industry’s ongoing energy transition. By ensuring that older vessels are recycled responsibly, the industry can facilitate the introduction of modern ships equipped with advanced fuels and technologies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The WSC emphasizes that expanding the EU list to include compliant facilities worldwide and supporting the HKC’s implementation directly contribute to global environmental goals. “Fleet modernization is a key component of decarbonization,” the Council stated. “Access to safe and environmentally sound recycling is essential to achieving these objectives.”
The WSC’s response underscores a broader call for collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of ship recycling. The Council’s recommendations highlight the need for a balanced approach that combines strict regulatory oversight with flexibility to incorporate global best practices.
By expanding its list of approved facilities, applying consistent auditing standards, and actively supporting the HKC, the EU can set a precedent for sustainable ship recycling. This leadership would not only strengthen environmental and safety standards but also create a foundation for long-term collaboration within the international maritime community.
In its closing remarks, the WSC reiterated its commitment to working with regulators, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations to advance these goals. “The shipping industry plays a critical role in global trade and environmental stewardship,” the statement read. “By working together, we can ensure that ship recycling becomes a model of sustainability and innovation for the future.”
The WSC’s response to the European Commission’s consultation on ship recycling highlights an urgent need for reform and expansion in the EU’s regulatory framework. With the global shipping industry at a crossroads, the EU’s actions in the coming years will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable practices in ship recycling.
By addressing capacity gaps, fostering global collaboration, and championing international conventions like the HKC, the EU has an opportunity to lead by example. In doing so, it can meet the global fleet’s immediate demands and pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious maritime industry.
