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Ship recycling—estimating future stocks and readiness for green steel transformation

Abstract

This article addresses ship recycling. Often criticized for dire health and safety conditions at breaking destinations in the Global South, our article considers ship recycling as a potential future source for secondary steel in green transformations. It represents an analysis of forthcoming changes in the regulatory framework, an initial assessment of steel stocks based on publicly available data, and a local case study. Here, the article assesses the capability of Bremen, a city in Northern Germany, to gain a relevant future market share. Our results indicate (a) the regulatory framework is dynamic due to the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention in 2025 und the current revision of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation; (b) the future market is significant, roughly equivalent to the entire current US car fleet in terms of steel stocks; (c) the ability to act locally depends on a variety of critical factors, including political will, entrepreneurial capital, and space requirements. The article concludes with an outlook on the importance of such a development for the transition towards 'net zero steel' and provides a perspective on future research needs.

Cite this activity

Bleischwitz R., Höller J. and Kriegl M. (2023) Ship recycling—estimating future stocks and readiness for green steel transformation. Environmental Research Letters 18(12): 124034. 10.1088/1748-9326/ad0a55

Details

Research topics
Date 20.11.2023
Journal Environmental Research Letters
Issue 12
Volume 18
Pages 124034
Open Access Open Access (open)
Open Access Status Open Access (open)
Eprints_link https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/5295
Peer-Reviewed

Research Spectrum

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