Shipbreaking is the process of dismantling a ship to salvage as much material as possible for recycling. Shipbreaking yards have appeared in various countries, and the process allows for constant recycling of materials and can decrease the cost of producing newer boats. However, not all materials can be reused or recycled, and addressing the proper disposal of contaminants can be expensive.
Shipbreaking is the process of dismantling a ship that has been withdrawn from active use. The idea behind this process is to salvage as much material from the ship as possible and recycle the components in some way. Also known as ship demolition and recycling, shipbreaking is generally employed when the cost of repairing the ship and keeping it in active use can no longer be justified.
For most of the 20th century, most of the world’s shipbreaking activity was carried out in Great Britain and the United States. During the last half century, shipbreaking yards began to appear in various countries in the Middle East, as well as in South America. By the beginning of the 21st century, shipbreaking had become a common task performed in many shipyards around the world.
Part of the attraction for shipbreaking today has to do with the practical use of available resources. As part of the process, the components that can be salvaged from the ship are removed first. This can include everything from engine parts to sleeping berths and even bulkheads. Once the vessel is stripped of all components that can be cleaned and reused on other ships, the rest of the hull undergoes a demolition process that often leads to the destruction of the hull and the sale of the parts for scrap.
Scrap obtained from shipbreaks is sometimes put through a melting and purification process that allows the metal to be reshaped and used to create new components that are incorporated into new ships. This process allows for constant recycling of materials and can often help decrease the cost associated with producing newer boats.
Not all materials that are separated in a scrapping process can be reused or recycled into new components. Asbestos used in many ships before the mid-20th century is removed and not reused in new construction. In addition, paints and other sealants containing high levels of lead and other toxins that are no longer used must be removed from components before collection of materials can take place. In some cases, addressing the proper disposal of contaminants that cause a threat to the environment constitutes a significant part of the expense of the effort.
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