NGO Shipbreaking Platform

Introduction

At its inception, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform took the strategic decision to focus its advocacy work on the European Union. This is where progressive solutions were deemed most likely to be born, as there already was a set of stringent requirements related to waste, chemicals, and recycling.

Responsibility of the EU

Additionally, more than 40% of the world’s commercial fleet is controlled by companies domiciled in the EU. Hence, the EU has a particular responsibility to ensure the safe and clean management of ships at end-of-life.

Current Practices

The vast majority of EU-controlled vessels, however, continue to be scrapped on tidal beaches in South Asia. In its multi-annual proposal, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform will seek to support the development, implementation, and enforcement of EU environmental law and policy on ship recycling. It also aims to strengthen the participation of civil society in the EU policy dialogue.

Policy Approach

The organization intends to make use of all policy levers, including:

1. Regulation and standardization
2. Investment and innovation
3. Dialogue with industry
4. International cooperation

This approach aims to ensure that current legislation and policies relevant to the European Green Deal and the sustainable Blue Economy are enforced and effectively implemented.

Urgency of Action

Many older vessels will be pushed off the market in the coming years, and the costs of properly managing the many hazardous materials within these ships’ structures must not be externalized to vulnerable communities and the environment.

Call for Investment

It is therefore urgent to support investments in methods and technologies that, in line with the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, provide for sustainable jobs and internalize environmental and human costs within the shipping industry, in accordance with the Polluter Pays principle.