A Groundbreaking Venture: Emden Shipyard Pioneers Germany's Ship Recycling Revolution
Prepared Shipyard for Scrap Vessels Recycling - Shipyard Prepared for Scrap Metal Processing of Old Ships
Emden shipyard, a historical port city in East Frisia, Lower Saxony, marks the forefront of the burgeoning ship recycling industry in Germany. EWD Benli Recycling GmbH, a subsidiary of Emder Werft und Dock GmbH (EWD), secured a landmark permit to establish the nation's first ship recycling facility, making waves in the maritime sector.
Hannover's Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment confirmed the permit issuance to the German Press Agency, highlighting the milestone for ship recycling in Germany. The authorization comes from the Oldenburg Trade Supervisory Authority, a notable first step in the greenlighting of such activities in the country.
Demand for ship recycling in Germany is on the rise, with EWD Benli Recycling GmbH receiving numerous inquiries due to their announcement of venturing into the recycling business last year. The demand remains high, particularly for old ships owned by authorities that have lacked recycling options in the country until now.
The marine industry views ship recycling, not only as a lucrative business opportunity but also as a means to conserve resources. By repurposing valuable materials like steel or components from old ships, these materials can be reintroduced into the material cycle, reducing waste and fostering sustainability.
Lower Saxony's Environment Minister, Christian Meyer, applauds the development, emphasizing the environmental catastrophe caused by the improper disposal of industrial ships, particularly in Southeast Asia. Ship recycling in Germany, he notes, will alleviate this situation and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Globally, around 700 seagoing ships are decommissioned each year, with most being scrapped in South Asia. However, with the expected implementation of worldwide uniform rules for safe and environmentally friendly ship recycling from mid-2024,domestic ship recycling facilities in the EU are predicted to gain competitiveness.
The Emden-based company doesn't compete directly with Asian ports but rather aims to be a trusted contact for authorities, coastal shipping companies, and salvors. They aspire to earn profits by leveraging short distances, sustainable solutions, and enhanced automation in processes.
Lower Saxony, along with Bremen, has been advocating for domestic ship recycling and raw material extraction in Germany for some time through the Environmental Ministers' Conference. In a resolution from December 2024, they called on the federal government to propel corresponding model projects, such as harbor infrastructure expansion or the development of eco-friendly recycling methods.
While only one maritime recycling sector has emerged in Germany, with similar ventures being proposed in cities like Stralsund, Emden is set to become a global leader in the sustainable recycling of sea-going ships, inland vessels, coastal motor ships, and passenger vessels. The upcoming recycling processes will incorporate conventional technology such as oxy-fuel and plasma cutting equipment, alongside waterjet cutting technology to minimize emissions.
- The community policy should emphasize the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, particularly in industries like shipping, to promote recycling and reduce waste.
- The employment policy should foster the growth of the ship recycling industry, recognizing it as a lucrative business opportunity that can create jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and the maritime industry.
