Ship Demolition

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Ship demolition is the process of breaking up ships for either a source of parts, which can be sold for reuse or for the extraction of raw materials, mainly scrap. Ship demolition allows the materials from the ship, especially steel, to be recycled and made into new products. This lowers the demand for mined iron ore and reduces energy use in the steelmaking process.

How many ships are demolished each year?

The number of ships demolished each year varies depending on a number of factors, including the global economy, the price of scrap steel, and the availability of ships for demolition. In recent years, the average number of ships demolished each year has been around 1,000.

Main ship breaker yards

The main ship breaker yards are located in Asia, with India, Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan being the largest ship breaking countries in the world. These countries have a number of advantages for ship breaking, including low labor costs, access to tidal beaches, and a lax regulatory environment.

Some of the largest ship breaker yards in the world include:

  • Alang Ship Breaking Yard (India)
  • Gadani Ship Breaking Yard (Pakistan)
  • Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard (Bangladesh)
  • Zhoushan Ship Breaking Yard (China)
  • Aliağa Ship Breaking Yard (Turkey)

Environmental and safety concerns

Ship breaking can be a dangerous and environmentally hazardous activity. Workers in ship breaker yards are often exposed to hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead, and mercury. They are also at risk of accidents, such as falling from ships or being crushed by heavy machinery.

In addition, the ship breaking process can release pollutants into the environment, such as heavy metals and oil. These pollutants can contaminate the soil, water, and air, and can have a negative impact on human health and the environment.

Conclusion

Ship demolition is a necessary process, but it is important to ensure that it is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Ship breaker yards should be required to implement safety measures and environmental controls to protect workers and the environment.