The European Union is turning to a new raw material source that could accelerate the decarbonization of its industry: decommissioned ships. Vessels that for years have been sent to low-standard scrapyards in South Asia are now viewed as a critical scrap reserve for Europe. According to Brussels, properly harnessing this untapped potential could reduce dependence on external supplies of both steel and critical minerals.
A 12-million-ton potential in ship recycling
A report submitted to the Public Consultation Meeting on the EU Circular Economy Act indicates that with a growing and aging global fleet, Europe could use end-of-life vessels as a strategic source of high-quality steel to support the decarbonization of the EU’s steel and construction sectors.
Number of ships dismantled to rise fivefold
A joint study by the Belgium-based NGO Shipbreaking Platform, Sandbag, and Tushia University forecasts a fivefold increase in the number of vessels sent for dismantling over the next decade, generating more than 100 million tonnes of recyclable steel. Since recycled steel saves around 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne compared with primary steel production, this shift could significantly contribute to emissions reduction. The report also highlights that ship steel can be directly reused in construction, boosting circularity and reducing waste.
Only 11% recycled within the EU
Studies show that 70–95% of a ship’s weight can be recovered as high-quality scrap. However, only about 1% of European vessels are currently recycled within the EU, creating a major capacity gap for industry as it moves toward low-carbon production. Research predicts that over 700 vessels will reach end-of-life annually between 2032 and 2036. Scrap volumes are expected to reach 12 million tonnes by 2033, equivalent to roughly 15% of the EU’s current total scrap consumption. The rapid expansion of environmentally sound and safe dismantling facilities is therefore emerging as one of the key priorities on Brussels’ policy agenda.
Source: Ekonomim
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