NYK Launches Environmentally Friendly Ship Recycling Campaign In Japan
Japanese shipping group NYK (NYK) has jointly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its compatriot Oono Development to explore the commercialization of responsible ship recycling in Japan.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday at NYK’s Tokyo headquarters, aims to create an environmentally responsible way to dismantle ships and large marine structures and recycle them into scrap steel and other materials.
The project will use Oono Development’s dry dock in Chita, Aichi Prefecture. At 810 meters long and 92 meters wide, it is one of Japan’s largest and can simultaneously dismantle two large ocean-going vessels.
A spokesperson for Oono Development said: “Our unique approach includes the latest onshore dismantling and waste treatment technologies, with a strong focus on environmental protection and occupational safety.”
The collaboration comes at a critical time as the global maritime industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices in ship recycling.
The IMO Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships will enter into force in June 2025, highlighting the growing importance of responsible ship dismantling.
In addition, the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, implemented in 2013, requires EU-flagged end-of-life ships to be recycled at approved facilities. The IMO Hong Kong Convention ensures safe and environmentally healthy practices while prohibiting the “laying down” method typical of South Asian ship recycling yards. The European list includes 45 approved facilities located in Europe, Turkey and the United States, many of which are capable of handling large ships.
“The purpose of this business study is to promote decarbonization and achieve a circular economy through state-of-the-art ship recycling, meeting the growing global awareness of legal compliance, environmental protection and ensuring occupational safety,” NYK Group said in a statement.
