‘green’ recycling of cotonou a first for Safmarine

Environmentally responsible shipping lines are not only improving their ‘green credentials’ through slow steaming and the introduction of more fuel-efficient tonnage, they’re also choosing greener and cleaner methods for the disposal of vessels. A recent example is Safmarine’s conscious decision not to sell the 24-year-old Safmarine Cotonou when she reached the end of her service, but instead to opt for the vessel’s ‘green recycling’ at the ISO 14001-accredited Changjiang Shipbreaking Yard in Jiangyin, China so that a significant portion of the vessel could be reused. Watching a ship being ‘green’ recycled is much like watching a ship being built – only in reverse – for the same care and attention to detail which would accompany the construction of a vessel is applied to its deconstruction, says Filip Geerts, Safmarine’s Antwerp-based health, safety and environment manager. “Green or clean recycling of ships is a trend which is definitely gaining favour as ship owners show increased responsibility towards the environment and the cost gap between ‘clean’ and ‘traditional’ recycling continues to narrow,” explains Geerts. He says ship owners – initially opposed to the idea because of the perceived, significantly higher cost – are now realising the value, both economically and environmentally, of dismantling and disposing of the vessel in a ‘green way’. “Green recycling of ships needn’t be cost prohibitive. As Safmarine we were kept informed, at all times, of the costs associated with the recycling of the vessel and there were no hidden costs or surprises – a refreshing change from using the traditional beaching method where shipbreakers often ‘reopen’ negotiations after the vessel has been grounded and can no longer be moved.” Geerts explains several steps were involved in clean recycling of the Safmarine Cotonou, a process which took three months from start to finish. “After the crew disembarked, the vessel underwent a pre-inspection to obtain her Green Passport. This involved establishing an inventory of all materials, operationally generated wastes and stores on board. “Several ‘surveys’ were then conducted with a focus on identifying any ‘toxic’ materials. Every loose item was collected and disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Safe access was created after fumigation of the vessel to ensure sufficient light and ventilation holes and only when all items were safely removed and the vessel pre-cleaned, was it time to cut the steel structure.”