At the Environment Council in Luxembourg on 21 October, the environment ministers adopted Council conclusions on the Commission Strategy on Ship Recycling. The Council of Ministers thereby send a strong signal to minimise methods for ship recycling that are unsafe and harmful to the environment and for workers. The conclusions also aim to set tougher requirements regarding ships that are scrapped on beaches, a phenomenon known as ‘beaching’.

“It is good news that the EU has adopted Council conclusions on the ship recycling as the EU is a key actor in the shipping industry. This shows that the EU is taking the issue very seriously and that methods that are safe for the environment and for workers can be promoted,” says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.

 The environment ministers consider that it is important that the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) swiftly enters into force. The ministers urge the European Commission to review how rules on ship recycling can be introduced at EU level. In addition, the EU urges all actors in the shipping industry to engage in global cooperation and voluntary measures.