- Investors, regulators, and social media are looking closely at ship recycling.
- In the webinar, the two speakers talked about the long-term impact of data on stakeholders in the recycling company.
- In order for the recycling process to be safe and more responsible, data reporting is required and the ownership of data must be known.
- Mr. Stephens rightly mentioned that Traceability throughout the lifecycle of a ship is key
- The data collection for the recycling process starts with the IHM, which will start on 31st December 2020.
- However, the majority of the respondents voted that the IHM should be postponed, due to lack of preparation.
Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) executive director Andrew Stephens, Global Marketing Systems (GMS) DMCC Dubai head, research & development, lead co-ordinator responsible ship recycling Dr. Anand M Hiremath,
and Green Ship Services (GSR) chief executive officer Henning Gramann tackled the issue of data and the longer-term impact on stakeholders in the recycling industry, says an article published by Riviera.
Ship recycling
Investors require that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) protocols have been met and adhered to, while the forthcoming Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) comes into force under EU regulation on 31 December 2020, placing greater emphasis on knowing the fabric.
Representing the recycling yards on the panel was Dr. Hiremath, who outlined the current situation in the ship recycling community.
Aim of the session
The aim is to ensure the stakeholders involved can show that responsible and safe ship recycling has taken place.
GMS has been integrally involved with educating the recycling yards in the importance of collecting data and can act on behalf of third parties to ensure the collection and storage of the data.
As Dr. Hiremath said, “281 data points are collected in the 18-step recycling monitoring process. This data might be required by a shipowner in the future if it is challenged regarding the recycling of a ship two or three years before.”
Transparency is key
Mr. Stephens represented the stakeholders on the shipowning and operational side who are striving to create a level playing field.
SSI is a volunteer organization of leading shipping brands and stakeholders who are “leading the way towards responsible and safe ship recycling,” he said.
“Transparency is key. This is a collaborative environment where stakeholders can learn from each other,” said Mr. Stephens.
He noted that though finance is a driver for change, the industry is moving from “do no harm” to “do more good”. “What we need to do is not only collect the data, we need to make sure that the data is being used,” he said.
Data is required to enable a safer and more responsible end of the life recycling process.
“It is not just the last owner’s responsibility, it goes back to the design and builds and making sure that the ownership of data passes between the several shipowners through a vessel’s life, which can be 25 to 30 years. Traceability throughout the lifecycle of a ship is key,” said Mr. Stephens.
Data collection and the role of IHM
The data collection for the recycling process starts with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, which comes into force on 31 December 2020.
IHM is a live document that must show all the hazardous materials and substances on the vessel from launch to recycling.
“[IHM] plays an important role for the ship operations which many people underestimate because the onboard crew also needs to know where the hazardous materials are and what it means for the daily life of the ship,” said Mr. Gramann.
“The big problem is if there is no data or false data, people are relying on that and that creates a huge risk.”
Audience responses
In a poll during the webinar, 100% agreed that IHM is a useful tool for improving recycling practices. But how many are prepared? Some 71% of respondents reported readiness for IHM.
Only 19% had completed the process, 15% had contracted for the work and 25% reported progress was underway.
A significant number (41%) had not started the IHM process. While the coronavirus pandemic may be impacting readiness, Mr. Gramann noted GSR has a global network of inspectors available.
As to the question should the IHM deadline be postponed, the majority (63%) of respondents replied that it should.
Watch the webinar here.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Riviera
