Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and Ohno Kaihatsu have signed an agreement to explore the commercialization of ship recycling in Japan, focusing on a more sustainable and safer method. The agreement, signed on Sept. 18 in Tokyo, marks a significant step toward promoting a circular economy in the shipping industry.
The joint project will use the only dry dock in Japan that can accommodate large ocean-going vessels, owned by Ohno Kaihatsu, located in the city of Chita, Aichi Prefecture. This facility will allow the dismantling of ships and marine structures with the most advanced technology in demolition and waste treatment, ensuring occupational safety and environmental preservation.
Ship recycling as a key to the circular economy
Ship recycling is considered critical to the circular economy, as more than 90% of medium and large ships are recycled into construction materials and second-hand goods. The agreement between NYK and Ohno Kaihatsu aligns with the growing demand for methods of dismantling methods safe and environmentally responsible dismantling methods, using techniques that minimize environmental impact and optimize the reuse of materials.
Hitoshi Nagasawa, president of NYK, stressed the importance of the project:
This joint effort will enable us to contribute to the circular economy and decarbonization by providing a comprehensive solution for ship recycling.
Promoting decarbonization and job security
In a global context of decarbonization decarbonizationthe steel steel industry has begun to use electric furnaces and to expand the use of steel scrap. Ships, which use large quantities of high-quality steel, have a growing value as a recyclable resource.are of increasing value as a recyclable resource. This recycling project comes against the backdrop of a more stringent regulatory environment, especially with the entry into force in 2025 of the International Maritime Organization’s Ship Recycling Convention, which comes into force in 2025.in addition to existing European regulations.
NYK and Ohno Kaihatsu plan to ensure that the decommissioning decommissioning work are carried out under strict environmental and occupational safety standards, with efficient processes that prevent the leaching of harmful substances such as oil into the ocean.
Characteristics of the dry dock and the recycling process
The dry dock used for dismantling has a unique capacity in Japan, with dimensions that allow two large ocean-going vessels to be dismantled simultaneously. This approach, which incorporates the latest advances in demolition and waste management, ensures that ship recycling is safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The site also has an industrial waste incineration facility and an advanced treatment system to ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials. In addition, the large 39-hectare demolition yard provides adequate space for the storage and transportation of valuable materials, such as iron scrap.
With this project, NYK and Ohno Kaihatsu are seeking to establish a sustainable model that combines resource recovery, circular economy and decarbonization in the shipping industry.
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Source and internal photo: NYK
Main photo: shutterstock
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