News / Shipowners reject bid to force EU ship-scrapping rules on the global fleet

© Joe Myerscough

The introduction of ship recycling licences for all vessels calling at EU ports has been rejected by the trade association representing some 80% of the world’s merchant fleet.

The proposal was aired in the conclusion of a study undertaken on behalf of the European Commission and would compel all ships calling at EU ports, regardless of flag, to purchase a recycling licence.

There are concerns that shipowners are re-flagging vessels to a non-EU “flag of convenience” and are thus not subject to EU rules on ship breaking.

However, the London-headquartered International ...