The Pitfalls Of Recycling Ships

The Vessel "Margaret Hill" At Southampton Docks

Ships and shipping have been subject to regulations which seek to minimise pollution and environmental damage for many years. Issues such as the quality of the fuel used by ships and the disposal of ships waste whether it be rubbish or dirty water slops are strictly governed.

Traditionally at the end of a ship's working life it ends up on the beaches of India, Pakistan or Bangladesh having been sold for scrap. The ship is then painstakingly broken apart by local workers on local beaches where they are run up at high tide. This is profitable work but dangerous and dirty. It has also come under scrutiny because it is considered environmentally damaging - to the beaches and the workers involved.