EuRIC’s ESRG has identified four key priorities: creating a level playing field between EU and non-EU recyclers, expanding the scope of the Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR), reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing enforcement to combat harmful practices like beaching and reflagging.
Through these actions, EuRIC believes the EU can lead by example in ship recycling and further strengthen its commitment to a circular economy. By ensuring that valuable materials are recovered within the EU, rather than lost through the export of ships to third countries for recycling, EU policymakers could further support the development of a market for secondary raw materials.
EuRIC ship recyclers highlight that Europe has the potential to take a leading role in ship recycling, but to do so, its legislative framework must evolve, expand and become more robust.
“A strong EU ship recycling sector, with fewer vessels leaving Europe at the end of their life, is within reach. The ongoing evaluation and upcoming revision of the Ship Recycling Regulation presents a critical opportunity for the EU to take decisive action and enhance its leadership in the global ship recycling industry. Europe’s high standards should set the global benchmark for safe and sustainable recycling practices,” said Julia Ettinger, EuRIC’s Secretary General.
