Further Resources

Environmentally sound dismantling of ships

Environmentally sound dismantling of ships

Environmentally sound dismantling of ships

Ship dismantling, also commonly referred to as ship “recycling”, is an inherently sustainable activity, the benefits of which are felt at the global level. As the term ship “recycling” implies, value is derived from the materials and equipment comprising end of life ships: the scrap steel is melted down and is commonly used in the construction industries of ship recycling countries, and equipment (engines, mechanical parts or furniture) is refurbished and reused in other industries.

The industry is based predominantly in South Asia (in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan), which according to 2010 statistics, occupies approximately 70% of the global ship recycling market. Significant recycling activity also takes place in China (19%), with Turkey and other countries occupying the remaining 10% of the market. Beaching is the predominant method of ship recycling in the South Asian Region, whilst China and some other countries employ an alternative method known as pier breaking.

The past decade has seen a substantial variation in the level of activity in the industry. The supply of ships for recycling is subject to large variations as a consequence of the global demand for seaborne transport. From 2004 to 2008, the high demand for maritime transportation resulted in a record low number of ships being sold for recycling (only between 200 to 400 ships per annum, whereas the historical average is between 700 to 800 ships).

However, with the global economic recession in recent years, the demand for maritime transportation has declined. As a result, recycling activity peaked in 2009, with some 1200 ships being sent for recycling. Figures available until September 2010 indicate that high levels of recycling activity are set to continue.

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The Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling

The Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling

The Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling

The Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling was created in 2007 to facilitate improvements in worker health and safety and environmental conditions in ship recycling countries in the South Asia region. The Programme concept has been developed in close consultation with two other international organisations with an interest and expertise in ship recycling: the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The Secretariat of the Basel Convention seeks to work with all ship recycling stakeholders to ensure the future sustainability of the industry.

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Joint ILO/IMO/Basel Convention Working Group on Ship Scrapping

The Joint ILO/IMO/Basel Convention Working Group on Ship Scrapping ("Joint Working Group") was established by decisions of the pertinent governing bodies of the three organisations, to:

  • Consider the work programmes of three organizations on the issue of ship scrapping in order to avoid duplication of work and overlapping of responsibilities and competencies between the three organizations, and identify further needs;
  • Facilitate the exchange of views between the three organizations in order to ensure a coordinated approach to all relevant aspects of ship scrapping;
  • Undertake an examination of the guidelines produced by the three organisations relating to ship scrapping with a view to identifying any possible gaps, overlaps, or ambiguities;
  • Consider mechanisms to promote jointly the implementation of the relevant guidelines on ship scrapping, as well as to monitor progress of any jointly organized technical cooperation activities.

The Terms of Reference of the Joint Working Group can be accessed here.

First session

The Joint Working Group held its first session from 15 to 17 February 2005 at IMO Headquarters in London.

Session report: ArabicChineseEnglishFrenchRussianSpanish; all meeting documents (in English) can be accessed here.

Second session

The Joint Working Group held its second session from 12 to 14 December 2005 at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Session report: ArabicChineseEnglishFrench, Spanish; all meeting documents (in English) can be accessed here.

Third session

The third session of the Joint Working Group was held from 29 to 31 October 2008 at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva.

Further information on the meeting, including session documents, can be accessed on the ILO Sectoral Activities website.

The report of the meeting (currently only available in English) can be accessed here.