Back EU ship recycling, EuRIC tells policymakers

European recyclers have issued a manifesto calling for more ships to be recycled within the EU and diverted from unsafe and environmentally challenging operations elsewhere.

EuRIC’s Ship Recycling Group (ESRG) is calling for measures to strengthen the EU’s ship recycling sector and the umbrella group has identified four key priorities: creating a level playing field between EU and non-EU recyclers, expanding the scope of the Ship Recycling Regulation, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing enforcement to combat harmful practices like beaching and reflagging.

Example

By adopting its manifesto, ESRG believes the EU can lead by example in ship recycling and further strengthen its commitment to a circular economy. By keeping valuable recovered materials within the EU, policymakers could further support the development of a market for secondary raw materials, it argues.
 
In insists Europe has the potential to take a leading role in ship recycling but, to do so, a legislative framework must evolve, expand and become more robust.

Critical opportunity

‘A strong EU ship recycling sector, with fewer vessels leaving Europe at the end of their life, is within reach,’ says Julia Ettinger, EuRIC’s secretary general.

‘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. Europe’s high standards should set the global benchmark for safe and sustainable recycling practices.’