Step-by-Step Guide to the Ship Dismantling Process

Dismantling a ship is not just a matter of cutting steel- it's a high-stakes process governed by international conventions, environmental obligations, and occupational safety laws. At Priyablue, one of India’s leading green ship recyclers, we approach each vessel with technical precision and full compliance with global standards such as the Hong Kong International Convention.

In this blog, we walk you through the step-by-step ship recycling process, the regulations shaping it, and how Priyablue is helping drive a safer, greener future of ship recycling for the maritime industry.

What Is Green Ship Recycling And Why Does It Matter?

Green ship recycling refers to the environmentally sound dismantling of ships at certified facilities where safety, sustainability, and accountability are core principles. This process is governed by frameworks such as the following:

• Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships
• EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR)

Green recycling stands in contrast to unsafe shipbreaking. Key components of green recycling include:

• Certified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
• Removal and controlled disposal of substances such as asbestos, PCBs, and mercury
• Gas-free cleaning and safe fuel extraction
• Recovery and reuse of valuable materials like steel, copper, and machinery

Several ship recycling yards, including Priyablue, have received a Statement of Compliance (SOC) from recognised classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register, confirming they operate following the technical requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.

Although India currently has no yards listed on the EU’s official approved list, SOC-compliant yards are increasingly seen as viable partners for responsible shipowners, especially those seeking compliance with EU SRR and the Hong Kong Convention.

Ship Dismantling Process at One of the Largest Green Ship Recyclers in India

At Priyablue, we want to be the future of green ship recycling, and for that, we strictly adhere to all EU SRR compliances. We dismantle vessels in strict accordance with international standards to ensure a safe, compliant, and transparent operation. Know more about our set of compliances below:

1. Hazardous Material Identification (IHM Review)

Each project begins with a full review of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). Substances such as lead-based paint, asbestos, ozone-depleting substances, and heavy metals are logged, isolated, and prepared for safe handling.

2. Yard Selection & Compliance Assurance

All dismantling takes place at our SOC-certified facility in Alang, which operates in line with the Hong Kong Convention and is audited for EU SRR technical conformity. The site is designed for containment, safety, and environmental control.

3. Recycling Plan Development (SRP)

We prepare a Ship Recycling Plan (SRP), covering:

• Material recovery strategies
• Waste treatment protocols
• Worker safety procedures
• Emergency response measures
  

4. Pre-Cleaning & Decontamination

Fuel, oils, lubricants, and gas residues are safely extracted. Enclosed spaces are tested and certified gas-free for hot work, ensuring safety during thermal cutting and dismantling.

5. Systematic Dismantling

We dismantle vessels from top to bottom, in a controlled sequence. Cutting is performed using certified equipment, and all operations occur within an impermeable floor to prevent environmental contamination.

6. Removal of Hazardous Materials

All materials flagged in the IHM are isolated and removed using specialised PPE and containment procedures. Disposal is managed in partnership with licensed hazardous waste handlers, ensuring traceability and compliance with Basel and MARPOL conventions.

7. Material Recovery & Recycling

Metals like steel, aluminium, and copper are sent for reprocessing, while machinery, wiring, and furnishings are salvaged or refurbished. Our goal is to recover over 90% of each vessel’s material volume, in line with circular economy principles.  

8. Final Audit & Compliance Reporting

We issue a comprehensive recycling completion report to the shipowner, including disposal logs, IHM updates, and confirmation of regulatory compliance. This transparency ensures peace of mind and full documentation for flag states or insurers.

Final Compliance Review: Meeting Global Standards

After dismantling is complete, a final compliance review ensures that all recycling activities have been carried out in alignment with international standards.

While India currently has no EU-listed facilities, Priyablue holds a Statement of Compliance (SOC) from Lloyd’s Register, verifying adherence to EU SRR’s technical requirements.

In parallel, we operate in full alignment with the Hong Kong International Convention, which enters into force globally on the 26^th of June 2025 and is set to become the industry’s regulatory baseline.

This final audit and alignment with leading frameworks:

• Ensures legal and reputational protection for shipowners
• Fulfils ESG and sustainability mandates
• Enables transparent reporting to flag states, insurers, and investors

Why Global Shipowners Choose Priyablue?

With operations dating back to 1994, Priyablue is a trusted recycling partner to shipowners.

 Our commitment includes:

• Full alignment with the Hong Kong Convention since 2015
• SOC from Lloyd’s Register under EU SRR standards
• Secure, environmentally managed recycling yards
• Proven experience with FPSOs, FSOs, VLCCS, VLOCs, and much more
• Transparent reporting, traceability, and client communication

In A Nutshell: Building a Safer, Greener Maritime Industry

We have been significantly contributing to the maritime industry by following green ship recycling in India, stringent safety standards to protect the environment, and marine areas.

The future of ship recycling lies in adopting sustainable practices. At Priyablue, we help global shipowners meet their ESG goals, protect marine environments, and safely manage the end-of-life phase of their fleets. 

Whether you're seeking Hong Kong Convention compliance or aligning with EU SRR standards, we provide a trusted, technically certified solution tailored to modern regulatory needs.

Partner with one of India’s largest green ship recycling yards and shape the future of ship recycling with us. Contact us now.

FAQs

Q1: What is green ship recycling?
A: Green ship recycling is the environmentally responsible dismantling of vessels in certified facilities, focusing on worker safety and minimal ecological impact.

Q2: What are the steps in the ship dismantling process?
A: The process includes hazardous material identification, yard selection, safe recycling plans, decontamination, dismantling, material recovery, and final audits.

Q3: Which regulations does Priyablue follow?
A: Priyablue is certified under the Hong Kong Convention and holds an SOC under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), ensuring full global compliance.

Q4: Where is Priyablue located?
A: Priyablue operates in Alang, Gujarat—India’s largest and most advanced green ship recycling yard, certified by international maritime authorities.