Press Release – European industry, trade unions and NGOs jointly support the EESC’s call for a financial incentive to enhance sustainable ship recycling

Published in October 20th, 2016

Today, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an own initiative opinion that calls on the European Commission to introduce an incentive that will “eliminate the abuses of irresponsible ship dismantling through a system which creates added value in an end-of-life ship”. SEA Europe, IndustriAll Europe and the NGO Shipbreaking Platform join the EESC in supporting an incentive that will make sure ships are recycled in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

"European ship recycling companies are competitive with regards to sustainability and should be encouraged by an enabling public policy that will push ship owners towards the use of these facilities as well as enhance R&D towards more cost effective solutions in Europe."
Christophe Tytgat - Secretary General - SEA Europe

The aim of a financial incentive is to make sure that ship owners use the upcoming EU list of approved ship recycling facilities and do not simply circumvent the EU Ship Recycling Regulation by flagging out to a non-EU ship registry. The EESC opinion supports a financial incentive that recognises the responsibility of the ship owner through the ‘polluter pays principle’ and builds the cost of responsible recycling into ship operating costs.

"The social and environmental impacts of shipbreaking on the beaches of South Asia can no longer be viewed as an externality and should be accounted for in shipping companies’ individual accounts. Introducing a financial incentive at the EU level is feasible and in line with established legal principles. It also brings with it the promise of ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards aimed at improving ship recycling conditions globally."
Ingvild Jenssen - Policy Director - NGO Shipbreaking Platform

Ensuring sustainable ship recycling fits well with the EU’s aim of achieving a truly circular economy where valuable resources are not only reused, but also recycled in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The EU list of ship recycling facilities will function as an important market differentiator for yards that have already invested in proper occupational health, safety and environmental standards.

"Shipbreaking on the beaches of South Asia is considered by the ILO as one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. Incentivising sustainable practices is necessary for the creation of decent jobs in the ship recycling sector."
Luis Colunga - Deputy General Secretary - IndustriALL Europe

 

SEA Europe, the European Ships and Maritime Equipment Association is the voice of the European maritime technology industry. SEA Europe promotes and supports European business enterprises which are involved in the building, construction, maintenance and repair of all types of ships and other relevant maritime structures, including the complete supply chain of systems, equipment and services. www.seaeurope.eu

 

IndustriAll European Trade Union represents 6.9 million working men and women across supply chains in manufacturing, mining and energy sectors across Europe. IndustriAll Europe aims to protect and advance the rights of these workers. www.industriall-europe.eu

 

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform is a global coalition of 19 environmental, human rights and labour rights organisations working to prevent the dangerous pollution and unsafe working conditions caused when end-of-life ships containing toxic materials in their structure are freely traded in the global marketplace. www.shipbreakingplatform.org

 

CONTACT THE TEAM
Nicola Mulinaris
Senior Communication and Policy Advisor
+32(0)260.94.420
Ingvild Jenssen
Director and Founder
+32(0)260.94.419

Related news

Chattogram, Sep 03rd 2019

Press Release – Accident on board Greek ship kills two and injures thirteen

Two deaths and thirteen severe injuries. This is the toll of victims following yet another accident at the shipbreaking beach of Chattogram, Bangladesh.

... Read More
Brussels, Mar 04th 2024

SAVE THE DATE – 2nd Ship Recycling Lab

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform is ready to host its second edition of the Lab on 9 -10 October 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.

... Read More
Brussels, Mar 10th 2017

Platform News – EU ship recyclers join voices to promote clean and safe practices

Five European ship recycling yards announced yesterday that they have joined forces to effectively raise awareness of existing best practice and the fact that there is capacity… Read More

Brussels, Oct 21st 2025

Press Release – Marinakis’ tanker beached in Bangladesh amid Greek government indifference

A recent Reporters United’s investigation unveils the illegal end-of-life sale of TRADER III — a tanker linked to Greek magnate Vangelis Marinakis and cash buyer GMS.

... Read More
MORE NEWS
Brussels, Mar 10th 2026

Press Release – Turkish civil society organisations reiterate their call to remove Aliağa shipbreaking yards from the EU list amid environmental damage and systemic negligence

Members of Turkish organisations raise alarm about critical levels of pollution in Aliağa, as well as severe systemic mismanagement, and continue their call to remove Turkish shipbreaking yards from the EU list of ship recycling facilities until necessary improvements are introduced by the Turkish authorities and the yards.

... Read More
Brussels, Oct 05th 2016

Platform News – NGO Shipbreaking Platform demands European Ship Recycling Licence

In a position paper published today, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform calls on the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States to support the introduction of a… Read More

Brussels, Jul 06th 2016

Press Release – European Commission report recommends the introduction of a Ship Recycling License

Ships regardless of their flag should not be allowed to call at any EU port without a ship recycling license to incentivise sustainable ship recycling, a European… Read More

Brussels/Rotterdam, Feb 13th 2018

Press Release – Dutch prosecutors press criminal charges against Seatrade

  CORRECTION   Brussels, 15 February 2018 – Following discussions with the Dutch Public Prosecutor, cash buyer GMS was not confirmed to be the end-buyer of the… Read More

Donate

NGO Shipbreaking Platform
The leading NGO coalition campaigning for clean and safe ship recycling

© 2019 NGO Shipbreaking Platform  |  Privacy Policy  |  Designed by Essence Creative  |  Hosted by Outfront