In a landmark move for the German maritime and recycling sectors, EWD Benli Recycling GmbH has officially received government approval to operate the country’s first certified facility for dismantling and recycling large ships. Located in Emden, East Frisia, the yard marks a pivotal shift toward safer and more sustainable shipbreaking practices in Europe.
First-of-its-Kind Ship Recycling Operation in Germany
The facility, operated under the leadership of managing directors Björn Sommer and Dr. Sebastian Jeanvré, received its final approval from the Oldenburg Trade Supervisory Office in early May, following a rigorous one-year certification process. With this authorization, EWD Benli Recycling is now formally recognized as a specialised waste management business capable of handling a wide range of maritime and industrial dismantling projects.
“This is a milestone for Germany’s maritime industry,” Sommer said, noting that several potential projects had already come in but had to be turned down until the necessary approvals were secured.
A Strategic Collaboration with Industrial Expertise
The newly approved shipbreaking yard is more than just a standalone operation. It is the result of a strategic partnership between EWD Benli Recycling and ReLog GmbH, a company known for its expertise in dismantling industrial plants. Dr. Jeanvré, who co-manages both firms, emphasized that this collaboration allows for a broader focus—not only on ships but also on industrial equipment like wind turbines and large-scale plant infrastructure.
“We’re merging maritime and industrial dismantling under one roof,” Jeanvré stated. “This brings efficiency, compliance, and sustainability into one operation.”
Legacy Infrastructure Repurposed for a Sustainable Future
The recycling yard is situated on the historic premises of the former Nordseewerke shipyard, now Emder Werft und Dock (EWD), which dates back to 1903. The site boasts two floating docks, a dry dock, and nearly two kilometers of quay facilities, allowing it to handle vessels of various types and sizes.
“In principle, we can dismantle any ship that fits through the Emden sea lock,” Sommer explained.
A Domestic Answer to a Global Problem
The launch of Germany’s first large-scale ship recycling facility comes at a time when the shipbreaking industry is facing increasing criticism over environmental and labor conditions—especially in South Asia, where most decommissioned vessels are sent.
According to the German Shipowners’ Association, approximately 700 ships are dismantled globally each year. A significant number of these are broken down in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India, where safety standards and environmental protections have long been a concern.
Germany’s new facility aims to offer a cleaner, regulation-compliant alternative. It also aligns with the upcoming enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which comes into force in June. The convention mandates that all shipbreaking yards meet rigorous safety and environmental standards, certified by independent classification societies.
Compliance with EU Ship Recycling Regulations
Since late 2018, the EU Ship Recycling Regulation has required that all large EU-flagged seagoing vessels be dismantled only in facilities listed on the official European List of approved ship recycling yards. The current list includes 43 facilities: 31 in Europe, 11 in Turkey, and one in the United States. With its new approval, EWD Benli Recycling is expected to bolster Europe’s domestic capacity and reduce the continent’s reliance on overseas yards.
Looking Ahead: Setting a New Standard
With approvals in place and operations now underway, EWD Benli Recycling is poised to reshape the future of ship dismantling in Europe—by emphasizing safety, environmental responsibility, and local economic revitalization.
“This is just the beginning,” Sommer added. “We’re ready to take on projects that reflect the future of responsible industrial recycling.”
