on 11 Jan 2022
Singapore-based Marco Polo Marine says interest in sustainable solutions for end-of-life yachts is increasing
Marcopolo Shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, has been awarded a permit by local authorities to conduct ship recycling and scrapping activities in a “safe and environmentally sound manner”, according to parent company Marco Polo Marine.
In addition to being awarded the permit by local authorities to conduct ship recycling activities, Singapore-based Marco Polo Marine says the Batam yard has also become the first shipyard in Indonesia to be certified and awarded the ISO 30000:2009 certificate.
The ISO 30000 certification is recognised globally and often a prerequisite by shipowners as the shipping industry look to comply with the new European Union Regulation on Ship Recycling and the International Maritime Organization Hong Kong Convention.
Sean Lee, CEO of Marco Polo Marine, says: “Given the growing interest in sustainability by the shipping industry, we are excited to expand our shipyard services to include green ship recycling. With the ISO certification by ABS QE, ship-owners can be assured that their vessels are recycled in safe and environmentally sound facilities.”
READ: Old boats, new problems: Where do yachts go to die?
Batam is an emerging transport hub, and part of a free trade zone in the Indonesia–Malaysia–Singapore Growth Triangle, located 20 km off Singapore’s south coast.
The maritime industry has come under mounting pressure from various stakeholders to ensure vessels are recycled in a safe and responsible manner. To promote transparency across the shipping value chain and accelerate a voluntary market-driven approach to responsible ship recycling practices, the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative was also launched in 2018.
Since its launch, the SRTI has received over 20 signatories, including major shipowners such as MAERSK, NYK and Crowley, signalling the shipping industry’s strong intent and efforts to pursue its sustainability and green recycling efforts.