The European Commission’s proposal to approve two Indian ship recycling facilities—Shree Ram and YSI Recyclers in Alanh-Sosiya—has come under intense scrutiny from a prominent environmental organization. According to the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, these "beaching yards" do not meet the stringent requirements of EU regulations, particularly as they dismantle vessels on tidal mudflats without the necessary impermeable floors or drainage systems.
The NGO contends that this proposal threatens fair competition for European and UK ship recycling facilities. It warns that high-quality scrap steel is at risk of being lost to the UK market, with ships broken on Indian beaches rather than recovered in Europe. The platform argues that the EU List of approved ship recycling facilities should serve as a benchmark for best practices, not merely legitimizing what it deems greenwashing.
The organization’s concerns are heightened by the potential negative impact on the UK steel sector, which increasingly relies on scrap metal as a secondary raw material, especially given some government-controlled interests. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform states that beaching operations should not be considered acceptable places for ship recycling, whether in OECD or non-OECD countries.
These facilities dismantle vessels by hand directly on tidal mudflats, a method that is incompatible with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and its UK equivalent. The lack of necessary safety measures poses significant risks to both workers’ health and environmental protection. The EC’s proposal extends until August 30th, providing time for public consultation and potential objections.
According to Paul Bartlett, a UK-based maritime journalist with over four decades of experience in international shipping, the NGO's position reflects broader concerns about the integrity of ship recycling practices. "The EU List should uphold the highest standards," he notes, underscoring that beaching operations do not meet these criteria.
Compliance and Environmental Concerns
The European Commission’s proposal to include Shree Ram and YSI Recyclers in the approved list has sparked debate over compliance with environmental and safety regulations. While the EC aims to bolster ship recycling practices within its jurisdiction, critics argue that allowing non-compliant facilities could undermine efforts to achieve sustainable practices.
Shree Ram and YSI Recyclers operate on tidal mudflats, which pose significant risks due to potential contamination from hazardous materials such as asbestos and heavy metals. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform emphasizes the need for modern, controlled methods of ship dismantling that protect both human health and the environment.
The public consultation period offers an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns and influence the EC’s decision-making process. Environmental groups and industry bodies are closely monitoring this proposal as it could set a precedent for future EU policies on ship recycling.