Landing of Vessels for Shipbreaking

Landing of Vessels for Shipbreaking – All the ships have a life tenure particular to their age limit. Once the ship loses its capability to carry out the operations smoothly it is usually sent for recycling also called shipbreaking. Landing of vessels for shipbreaking also called ship dismantling is the process of dismantling large and abandoned ships for the purpose of recovering valuable metal scrap and other valuable materials having high cost in the market. The process is usually carried out in specific locations near the coastlines also known by the name shipbreaking yards. 

Landing of vessels for shipbreaking has become a prominent activity in developing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and other major developing countries in the world with thriving coastlines. The main objective of the ship recycling process is to recover valuable material from end-of-life vessels such as steel, non-ferrous metals, and various equipment. It is also responsible for disposing of hazardous materials including many radioactive materials in an environmentally safe manner. 

Different Landing Methods and Their Impact on Shipbreaking

There is a myriad of ship landing methods that are used to dismantle end-of-the-life vessels. These different landing methods have a significant impact on the various aspects of ship recycling. It can affect the worker’s safety, the environment, and the overall project cost. Each method offers a specific advantage and is used as per the demands of a particular shipbreaking process. 

To make an informed decision regarding the Landing of vessels for shipbreaking you shall consider several factors such as available infrastructure, safety considerations, ships’ size, environmental regulations, and the shipbreaking yard’s capabilities. You can also prioritize a landing method in shipbreaking while keeping your end goal in mind. 

Some of the commonly used methods for shipbreaking are briefed below:

1. Dry Dock Method: One of the best methods to perform shipbreaking in a controlled environment. This method is also beneficial in preventing pollution as the ship is dismantled in a secluded dry dock. 

2. Beaching Method: This method is commonly used for smaller vessels or ships with shallow draft. It is a cost-effective method where the ship is intentionally grounded on a sloping beach or tidal flats. 

3. Inter-Tidal Landing Method: In this landing method with the help of winches the cutting process is carried out under the supervision of an expert. The ship is usually dragged to the beach during the high tide. 

4. Slipway method: This method is conducted on a slipway or a ramp that is inclined in the water. It is suitable for smaller ships and also useful in managing pollution. 

Location Trends for the Landing of Vessels for Shipbreaking

In its budding stages, the landing of vessels for shipbreaking was centered in the port cities of industrialized countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. With the serious environmental threats posed by the shipbreaking and high requirement of labor, the shipbreaking industry shifted to the developing countries in the East. By the mid-20th century, the eastern countries with lower labor costs and prominent coastlines started dominating the shipbreaking industry.  

With the rising labor cost the shipbreaking industry again shifted to countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh from Hong Kong and Japan. In 1977 Taiwan took the lead and was dominating half the market share followed by Spain, Pakistan, and India. With time, India became home to the largest shipbreaking yard in the world; the Alang Shipbreaking Yard in Gujarat.  The countries leading the shipbreaking industry in current times are demonstrated below in the table. 

Role of Different Conventions and Regulations 

One of the major drawbacks of conventional shipbreaking has always been the risk posed to the environment, wildlife, and human life. To make the Landing of vessels for shipbreaking more environment-friendly and sustainable several conventions and regulations have been launched at the national and international levels. 

Several international such as the Hong Kong International Convention, Basal Convention, and many others are introduced to strictly monitor the shipbreaking process. All these conventions lay down guidelines for the shipbreaking yards and other parties involved to make it more sustainable and safer for the workers and wildlife that may be affected. Some of the main objectives of these conventions are mentioned below:

• Operations of ship recycling facilities in a safe and environment-friendly manner
• Optimize the design, construction, operation, and preparation of ships to encourage safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships. 
• Establishing a robust and sustainable infrastructure for the landing of vessels for shipbreaking. 

Conclusion

The shipbreaking industry is rapidly advancing and opting for more environmentally stable and sustainable options. With gradual changes and developments landing of vessels for shipbreaking will completely change within a few years. Green ship recycling and other regulations by Hong Kong International Conventions will completely transform shipbreaking practices all around the globe.