Ambitious plans to establish ship recycling facilities in Germany are facing delays due to prolonged approval processes, highlighting the challenges of implementing innovative environmental solutions in the maritime industry.
Leviathan GmbH’s pioneering project stalled
Bremen-based company Leviathan GmbH, which announced plans in September 2023 to offer a low-emission ship recycling facility at the Stralsund Volkswerft, is experiencing significant delays in obtaining necessary permits. Co-founder Simeon Hiertz stated, “The approval process continues to be delayed,” making it unclear when operations can begin.
Leviathan GmbH claims to have developed a concept for industrial ship dismantling that operates with nearly zero CO2 emissions. However, the prolonged bureaucratic process is hindering the implementation of this potentially groundbreaking technology.
Industry-wide challenges
The Leviathan GmbH case is not isolated. Emder Werft und Dock GmbH (EWD) is also awaiting approval for its ship recycling venture. In March 2024, EWD announced the creation of a new business unit, EWD Benli Recycling GmbH & Co., dedicated to ship dismantling. According to Managing Director Björn Sommer, the certification process is still ongoing.
Runa Jörgens, Acting Managing Director of the German Maritime Center (DMZ), confirmed that the bureaucratic hurdles for ship recycling in Germany are “very high.” This assessment underscores the broader challenges facing the industry as it attempts to implement more sustainable practices.
Implications for maritime sustainability
The delays in approving these ship recycling projects have wider implications for Germany’s maritime industry and environmental goals:
- Environmental impact: The proposed low-emission recycling methods could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of ship dismantling.
- Economic opportunities: Establishing domestic ship recycling facilities could create new jobs and economic opportunities in coastal regions.
- Regulatory challenges: The situation highlights the need for streamlined approval processes that balance thoroughness with efficiency to foster innovation.
- International competitiveness: Delays in implementing advanced recycling technologies could impact Germany’s position in the global maritime industry.
As the maritime sector seeks to become more sustainable, the experiences of Leviathan GmbH and EWD illustrate the complex interplay between innovation, regulation, and environmental responsibility. The industry and regulators alike will need to find ways to navigate these challenges to realize the potential benefits of advanced ship recycling in Germany.
