EnvironmentShipyards

Ship recycling transparency gains traction

The first report of the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI) was launched at TradeWinds’ Ship Recycling Forum 2019 in Hong Kong yesterday. Presenting data collected through a disclosure questionnaire circulated among shipowners as part of the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative, the report indicates that there is a growing movement stepping up the pressure on shipowners to disclose their approaches to ship recycling.

Since the SRTI online platform (www.shiprecyclingtransparency.org) went live just over two months ago eight large shipowners – operating a combined total of more than 1,800 vessels – have voluntarily shared data on their company’s ship recycling policies and practice. All disclosing shipowners have a written policy on ship recycling for their own vessels covering issues related to the environment, labour and human rights in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention.

“We’re seeing increasing pressure on shipowners from key stakeholders including investors, retailers and manufacturers,” said Andrew Stephens, executive director of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative.

“Conversations with cargo owners, lenders and insurance companies have highlighted that they too want more information on ship recycling to inform their decision-making.”

“The beauty of the SRTI is that it can easily be incorporated into their existing sustainability strategies, such as building into supplier codes of conduct and used as a requirement in procurement processes.

Shipowners feel the effects of the market as they are being held accountable; the simple act of being transparent about their approach to ship recycling is leading to improved policy, practice and performance.”

Major vehicle manufacturers including BMW and Scania have recently signed up to the SRTI, demonstrating their willingness to be held to account for their supply chain. Financial stakeholders make up one third of those involved in the SRTI – including recent signatories MP Pension and PBU – reflecting a continuing trend for investment funds to scrutinise shipowners’ ship recycling practices.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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