WSC: EC Proposal Reinforces Performance-Based Approach to Responsible Ship Recycling

Brussels, July 24, 2026 - The European Commission's today published its proposal for the 16th edition of the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. It marks an important step towards a ship recycling framework that focuses on what matters most: demonstrated environmental performance, worker safety, technical competence and effective governance.

The inclusion of additional facilities that have successfully met the EU's rigorous requirements reinforces the principle that ship recycling decisions should be based on proven standards and performance, rather than geographic location alone.

"We welcome the updated European List of Ship Recycling Facilities because it reflects a practical and performance-based approach to sustainable ship recycling," said Simon Bergulf, Vice President, Environment and Climate at the World Shipping Council (WSC).

The Commission's proposal includes, for the first time, two ship recycling facilities in India following an assessment under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. According to the Commission, these facilities have demonstrated compliance with the requirements set out in Article 13 of the Regulation and therefore qualify for inclusion on the European List.

“These yards have invested heavily to address the findings and recommendations arising from European Commission inspections, demonstrating a clear commitment to meeting the EU’s stringent standards. Their inclusion would mark an important milestone, showing that one of the world’s principal ship recycling regions can successfully comply with the requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. We hope these facilities will act as trailblazers, encouraging other yards in the region to follow the same path.”

"Liner shipping companies are committed to recycling ships responsibly. For large ocean-going vessels, there are only a limited number of facilities worldwide with the capability and capacity to undertake this work. The Commission's proposal helps expand the availability of approved recycling capacity while maintaining the high standards that the Regulation is intended to achieve," concludes Simon Bergulf.

WSC has consistently supported policies that advance safe and environmentally sound ship recycling and believes the European List should continue to be based on transparent, objective and verifiable criteria.

WSC encourages Member States to approve the Commission's proposal and continue supporting a regulatory framework that rewards high standards, promotes responsible ship recycling, and helps deliver better environmental and worker safety outcomes globally.

Read WSC’s full Release here.