Green light for German ship recycling

The first dismantling and recycling facility for large ships in Germany has been given official approval.

EWD Benli Recycling has received the required official approval documents to operate on the site of its parent company Emden Werft und Dock (EWD) at Emden on the north coast.

‘The process took about a year, and we’re delighted that we can now meet the demand in Emden,’ says Björn Sommer, who heads EWD and is md of the recycling division. ‘The core maritime business will be the dismantling of ocean-going vessels, inland waterway vessels, coasters, as well as passenger ships and ferries. In principle, we’ll be able to dismantle anything that can enter the port of Emden through the sea lock.’

Strong signal

The company sees the official green light as a strong signal for the German maritime industry. It says the certification process was demanding but the company relied on the support of local and regional politicians as well as trade supervisory authorities in Oldenburg and Emden.

Another supporter has been Sebastian Jeanvré, md of ReLog, a company specialising in the planning and implementation of industrial dismantling projects and ship, engine, wind turbine, and aircraft recycling. Jeanvré and Sommer form a dual leadership team on the management board of EWD Benli Recycling.

‘Ultimately, we are contributing to the continued prosperity of the Emden seaport and the retention of raw materials from old ships in Germany.’