Green ship recycling
Shipping and sea transport represent a crucial sector for the economy, but generate large amounts of waste in terms of discarded vessels that clutter shipyards and compromise coastal environments. The EU-funded DIVEST (Dismantling of vessels with enhanced safety and technology) project worked on safer and more environmentally friendly ways to dismantle and recycle ships. It defined a new framework to improve ship dismantling activities and related infrastructure from social, economic and environmental viewpoints. After in-depth research, formulation and validation to find the most ideal methods of breaking down a ship into parts, the project team outlined a process that addresses ecological considerations, ensuring clean and safe disposal. It also analysed ships and infrastructure, examining as well the main risk drivers involved in the process of recycling. Partners carried out a series of training sessions with ship recycling stakeholders and produced an overview of the international, national and regional principles and legal frameworks by which the industry operates. Several policy recommendations were delivered on the optimum recycling facility and method. The main outcome is a decision support tool (DST) that enables various stakeholders to assess the economic, environmental, health and safety implications of different recycling scenarios. This database incorporates project findings with industry input to examine ship recycling procedures and related labour and equipment costs, possible environmental concerns, and health and safety consequences. The DST and all project outcomes are accessible via an online knowledge exchange platform developed for this purpose. DIVEST set up a database of reliable information on different practices to help improve current standards, methods and conditions for ship dismantling. A holistic approach will lower accident rates, reduce health risks and minimise extensive pollution of coastal areas.
Keywords
Ship recycling, discarded vessels, coastal environments, ship dismantling
