Scrap yards repurposing aged marine vessels for metal recycling
The Greens have expressed support for the establishment of a ship recycling facility in Bremen, aiming to promote climate-friendly steel production at the local steelworks. Robert Bücking, the Green Party's economic spokesperson in parliament, suggests that such a facility could cater to the growing demand for scrap, potentially tripling from the current 700,000 tons per year, given the transition to arc technology.
According to Björn Fecker, the faction leader, the current dismantling of steel giants primarily occurs in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, often using dangerous welding torches under deplorable conditions. The Greens advocate for a more environmentally friendly approach in Bremen or Bremerhaven, employing water jet technology and renewable energy.
Although Germany lacks a certified ship recycling location, as per an EU regulation enacted in 2013, the Greens have noted significant interest in the idea. They have urged the Senate to create an environment conducive to private investors building a ship recycling facility in Bremen.
The state of Bremen presents ideal conditions for such a facility, with its location on the North Sea, connectivity to the inland waterway network, existing shipyard infrastructure, and a potential customer in the nearby steelworks. The Greens aim to send a political signal to the administration before the parliamentary election, prompting swift action to identify land requirements, potential sites, and clarify approval requirements.
Interestingly, EWD Benli Recycling GmbH in Lower Saxony recently became the first German company authorized to recycle seagoing vessels domestically, potentially paving the way for a similar initiative in Bremen. The region's focus on renewable energies and industrial development could potentially support sustainable ship recycling initiatives such as the proposed facility. However, specific plans or developments in this direction have not been documented.
- The Greens suggest that the establishment of a ship recycling facility in Bremerhaven could contribute to the growth of the environmental-science industry, as it may cater to the increasing demand for scrap, potentially tripling from the current 700,000 tons per year, given the transition to arc technology.
- In alignment with their political agenda, the Greens in Bremen advocate for employing water jet technology and renewable energy in the proposed ship recycling facility, aiming to minimize the environmental impact and promote climate-friendly practices.
- To foster private investments in the potential ship recycling facility, the Greens have urged the Senate to create an environment conducive to finance and industry, with the long-term goal of addressing climate-change issues in the context of ship recycling.
