The report suggested that the other EU facilities on the continent have limited space available and are not all completely operational or capable of taking in larger LDT units.

The EU Ship Recycling Regulation allows all large sea-going vessels sailing under an EU member state flag to use an authorised ship recycling facility included in the list as of 31 December 2018.

“With Maersk having sold the largest container unit sold for recycling to this destination for EU approved recycling yard, it is rumoured that this vessel may have to remain at the anchorage for up to two months until the yard it is destined for becomes free,” Clarksons said.

The step seeks to curb the custom of European shipowners, who own 35 per cent of the world fleet, to dismantle their ships on South Asian beaches under conditions that are frequently detrimental to the health and environment of staff.

“This clearly shows the lack of capacity for a large volume of tonnage that had become or will become available for recycling sale at an EU approved yard which clearly contradicts those in the EU authorities and the environmental organisations suggesting there is plenty of space available,” the company stated.

The shipbroker believes the EU Commission needs to accept this shortage and start speeding up the process for authorizing alternative yards in Turkey that are up to EU recycling requirements and have been waiting for a 'rubber stamp' since the beginning of this year.

In addition, according to Clarksons, the commission will press the case for India to now be seriously considered as a green recycling place.

For one, Maersk was at the forefront of the campaign to help Alang-based yards develop their practices to meet the company's expectations of sustainability.

The country passed its Ships Recycling Bill in 2019, making it a statute in 2019. The act limits and forbids the use or installation of hazardous materials, applicable regardless of whether or not a ship is intended for recycling.

The change came on the heels of the country's accession to the Ships Safe and Environmentally Friendly Recycling International Convention of Hong Kong, 2009.

Maritime Business World