International body for ship recycling

Archiv – Representatives of the shipping industry have founded the International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA). Two yards in China and six in Turkey, as well as a Dutch and a US facility, have already secured their membership, together with the Ship Association of Turkey.Global | Representatives of the shipping industry have founded the International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA). Two yards in China and six in Turkey, as well as a Dutch and a US facility, have already secured their membership, together with the Ship Association of Turkey.
According to ISRA’s Chair Liu Guohong, it is important to handle ship recycling on a global scale. ’With the foundation of the ISRA, we can start to work on the international legislation of this important issue in our industry,’€™ she says. ‘€˜As responsible ship recyclers, we can join our forces against the dreadful practices of countries that allow beaching methods. We want this organisation to bring a voice to the IMO. We want to show the world things can be done in a green, high-quality way and there can still be a return.’€™
ISRA will strive to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, ideas, new developments and training programmes, as well as to help create a worldwide ship dismantling industry operating to a high environmentally-sound and technical level. To this end, members must agree to have their yards certified to the latest standards.
The organisation will also look to encourage yards in the developing countries to join its ranks, adding that these must accept the ISRA guidelines and must be willing to invest in upgrading their facilities to the required level.
ISRA will promote alternatives to beaching vessels and the protection of its members’€™ return on investment. Another important goal is to change the image of the dismantling industry and make ship recycling more attractive to shipowners.
Founded in The Netherlands under Dutch law, ISRA’€™s secretariat will be located in The Hague. Yards which have successfully applied for membership of ISRA are as follows:
Chine Jiang Xiajang Changjiang Shiprepair Yard and Zhongxin Ship Recycling & Steel Co. (both from China); OGe Gemi Sokum, Cemas Celik, Leyal Ship Recycling, Adem Simsek & Simsekler Group, Demtas and Dortel Ship Recycling Limited & Co. (all from Turkey); Sparrows Point Shipyard (USA); and Scheepsloperij Nederland BV (the Netherlands).