Commission adopts first European List of ship recycling facilities safe for workers and environmentally sound

The Commission adopted the first version of the “European List of ship recycling facilities”, taking an important first step to help ensure that ships are recycled in facilities that are safe for workers and environmentally sound. All vessels sailing under an EU flag are required, under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, to use an approved ship recycling facility. The first 18 shipyards are all located in the EU. They fulfil the strict requirements for inclusion in the List and as a result will have exclusive access to the recycling ships flying the flags of the EU Member States. The inclusion of yards from third countries is as important and the Commission is currently assessing applications on whether they meet the necessary strict requirements to be included in 2017. Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: “I congratulate the 18 European companies which have made it on the European List of ship recycling facilities. The List sends a clear signal that there is business and employment in safe and environmentally sound ship recycling, starting in Europe. With the List we close the loop for the European naval industry: these ships were often designed and built in Europe; we can take care of them at the end of their life too – in a respectful way”. The Commission has also adopted measures where all ships visiting European ports – irrespective of the flag they fly – should provide information on hazardous materials on board. The measure is expected to improve sourcing of quality ship parts globally and benefit European shipbuilding yards.