The proposed new rules intend to ensure that European ships are only recycled in facilities that are safe for workers and environmentally sound. In particular, the Commission proposes a system of survey, certification and authorisation for large commercial seagoing European vessels, covering their whole life cycle from construction to operation and recycling.

The European Commission proposed a draft Regulation with the aim to ensure that European ships are only recycled in facilities that are safe for workers and environmentally sound. On this way, the Commission proposes a system of survey, certification and authorisation for large commercial seagoing vessels that fly the flag of an EU Member State, covering their whole life cycle from construction to operation and recycling. Besides, the Commission is also reviewing EU passenger ship safety legislation in relation to the Costa Concordia accident.

If the proposals is adopted, European ships will have to draw up an inventory of the hazardous materials present on board, and apply for an inventory certificate. The amount of hazardous waste on board (including in cargo residues, fuel oil, etc.) must be reduced before the ship is delivered to a recycling facility. In addition, ship recycling facilities will have to meet a set of environmental and safety requirements in order to be included on a list of authorised facilities world wide.

The proposal also requires ship owners to report to national authorities when they intend to send a ship for recycling. By comparing the list of ships for which they have issued an inventory certificate with the list of ships which have been recycled in authorized facilities, authorities will be able to spot illegal recycling more easily. The sanctions proposed in the Regulation will also be more specific and precise.