International Shipbreaking in Texas Completes First Project After EU Ship Recycling Approval

International Shipbreaking in Brownville, Texas has completed the first ship recyling project for an EU shipowner in compliance to the rigorious requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.

The 158-meter-long chemical tanker Wolverine, formerly sailing under the Norwegian flag, was accepted for recycling at International Shipbreaking on January 31, 2022, and the project completion was announced this week.

The project follows a $30 million investment in new equipment and processes at the International Shipbreaking site to meet the requirements of the EU regulation.

International Shipbreaking said it was able to recycle 97 percent of the materials removed from the Wolverine.

EU Ship Recycling Regulation requires that all end-of-life ships flying an EU Member State flag must be recycled at an approved shipyard included on a list of approved recycling facilities. The regulation, which is based on the requirements of the IMO’s Hong Kong Convention, ensures that ship recycling practices do not pose a risk to the environment or human health and prohibits the controversial “beaching” method that is common among South Asia shipbreakers.

The latest edition of the list, last updated in November 2020, includes 43 yards approved for EU ship recycling, including 34 yards in Europe, eight in Turkey and only one in the United States—International Shipbreaking. None are in South Asia.

“Around the world there are still too many ships that end their days being recycled in dangerous and environmentally-harmful yards on the other side of the world,” said Chris Green, Senior Manager at International Shipbreaking, which is part of EMR Group. “By continuing to raise our standards, International Shipbreaking Ltd is showing responsible ship owners there is better way to do business.”

Wolverine is one of 28 projects undertaken by the International Shipbreaking during the past year.

“The arrival of MT Wolverine at our Brownville site was a proud day for everyone at International Shipbuilding Ltd,” Green said. “By investing $30 million in the latest technology, equipment and infrastructure, our business has become the first in the US to be able to recycle ships to a level compliant with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SSR). MT Wolverine shows that this effort and commitment is paying off.”

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