NGOs Ask Turkey To Recycle It’s Ship Recycling Methods

• NGO Shipbreaking Platform calls for forward-thinking legislation, addressing gaps, and mobilizing investments in safer technologies.
• The report emphasizes safety priorities, including drainage, oil-water separators, hazardous material verification, and equipment standards.
• Recommendations include comprehensive oversight, recognizing health interconnections, and the EU’s role in strengthening ship recycling criteria and inspections.

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has released a report providing a thorough analysis of the current hurdles faced by the ship recycling sector in Aliağa while emphasizing the potential for sustainable practices.

Turkey at a Crossroads: Opportunities for Change

With recent plot sales in October 2023 and impending public land lease expirations in 2026, Turkey has a significant opportunity to reshape its ship recycling industry. The report urges the Ministries of Environment, Labour, and Transport to seize this moment for a transition towards sustainable practices.

Key Recommendations for Sustainable Transition

Ekin Sakin, Policy Officer at NGO Shipbreaking Platform, emphasizes that the Ministries of Environment, Labour and Transport should seize this opportunity to facilitate the transition of the ship recycling sector towards sustainable practices. “To ensure the resilience of industry in Turkey, it is crucial that existing regulatory gaps are addressed through the implementation of forward-thinking and comprehensive legislation, and that investments and incentives to introduce safer and cleaner technologies, including cold cutting and dry docks, are mobilised,” Sakin adds.

Operational Priorities for Safer Practices

The report highlights operational priorities such as effective drainage channels, oil-water separators for wastewater treatment, third-party verification of hazardous materials, and standards for pulling and lifting equipment. It calls for proper gas-free operations and cold-cutting techniques.

Comprehensive Oversight and Environmental Impact Assessment

To ensure sector oversight, the report stresses the necessity of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), defining environmental licensing processes, and enforcing legal instruments for safety and environmental aspects.

Worker Safety and Health Prioritization

Aslı Odman from Istanbul Worker’s Health and Safety Watch emphasizes the interconnectedness of worker health, public health, and environmental health. The report urges a comprehensive approach to address both labour and environmental concerns.

EU’s Role and Recommendations

Highlighting the EU’s pivotal role, the report recommends strengthening criteria for ship recycling, including waste management and steel recovery operations, under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. It calls for more frequent and unannounced EU inspections and cross-referencing hazardous waste records.