New green group campaigns to recycle ships and end beaching

REPRESENTATIVES of the shipping industry have founded the International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA) in the Netherlands to be governed by Dutch law.

"It is important to handle ship recycling on a global scale. With the foundation of the ISRA we can start to work on the international legislation," said ISRA chairwoman Liu Guohong.

"As responsible ship recyclers we can join our forces against the dreadful practices of countries that allow beaching. We want this organisation to bring a voice to the IMO. We want to show the world, things can be done in a green, high-quality way and there can still be return and it is good business," she said.

The association aims to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, ideas, and training programmes; and change the image of the dismantling industry to make ship recycling more attractive to shipowners.

Another important goal, she said, will the promotion of worldwide ship dismantling in an environmentally sound way, with members agreeing shipyards certified to the latest standards. "

"ISRA will seek the membership of yards in the developing countries. These yards will be required to accept ISRA guidelines and may well have to make investments for upgrading their yards to the required level," a statement from the group said.

Two Chinese, six Turkish, a Dutch and an American yard, together with the national Ship Association of Turkey have so far joined ISRA. They are Chine Jiang Xiajang Changjiang Shiprepair Yard and Zhongxin Ship Recycling & Steel Co., OGe Gemi Sokum, Cemas Celik, Leyal Ship Recycling, Adem Simsek & Simsekler Group, Demtas and Dortel Ship Recycling Limited & Co., Sparrows Point Shipyard, and Scheepsloperij Nederland BV.