Zhoushan and Jiangyin ship recycling companies: aspiring to first round of EU List applications

To grow business further, our client wanted to gain independent verification that their operations were in accordance with the EU’s Ship Recycling Regulation, in order to be one of the first ship recycling facilities to apply to become part of the EU List of Recycling facilities. This regulation requires that European shipowners only recycle ships at authorised facilities. Central to success here was having an approved ship recycling facility plan (SRFP), under the IMO Hong Kong Convention, alongside other key documents. The yard owners asked us to support as an established expert in this area.

We brought over 25 years’ knowledge of ship recycling legislation, standards, practices and projects to our client. This included our background as an Associate Member of the International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA) and the International Association of Classification Societies' ship recycling representative at the International Maritime Organization. We helped the industry develop both the IMO Hong Kong Convention and ISO 30000 management system standard for ship recycling facilities. 

Our support was two-fold, covering both of our client’s ship recycling yards.

1. Undertaking a desk-top review of our client’s SRFP and supporting documentation (much of which had been prepared by leading ship recycling management company, Sea2Cradle) against relevant requirements of the IMO Hong Kong Convention, EU Regulation and other applicable national and international legislation.

2. On successful review, issuing a statement of compliance for each yard’s SRFP, subject to on-site verification audits by marine surveyors and environmental auditors. 

The statement of compliance helped our client:

• demonstrate to shipowners and the European Commission that the company is a world-leading, responsible ship recycler
• further enhance reputation in the marketplace
• establish a competitive edge compared with other local and global facilities. 

“Sufficient green recycling capacity is no longer subject to discussion but a reality; we are pleased to improve and invest further to achieve the highest level required.”

Mr Li Hongwei (pictured above)

Owner, Zhoushan Changhong and Jiangyin Changjiang recycling facilities