Texas-based International Shipbreaking has invested $30mn in upgrading its Brownsville facility to EU Ship Recycling Regulations (EU SSR).
The EMR Metal Recycling subsidiary said in a news release on Mar 1 that it is the first shipbreaking yard in the US that can now recycle EU-based ships or ships flying colors of EU member states.
Chris Green, the senior manager, International Shipbreaking, said that the company has safely recycled more than 100 ships and marine vessels since 1995 and has now moored its first European ship – MT Wolverine.
The company stated that many South-East Asian shipbreaking yards operate in very basic facilities, which put their employees at risk of being exposed to hazardous materials. On the other hand, EU SSR said it had strict guidelines on handling and disposing of hazardous materials that ships are usually full of.