Sustainable Recycling Milestone Achieved
Drydocks World has completed a major ship recycling project for APT Global Marine, recovering more than 20,000 tonnes of steel, machinery and other materials for sustainable reuse at its Dubai facility, marking a significant milestone in advancing responsible ship recycling in the UAE.
The project reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a regional hub for sustainable ship recycling and highlights the maritime sector’s increasing focus on circular economy practices and environmentally responsible vessel management.
Circular Economy Progress
Drydocks World said the project was among the most complex ship recycling operations carried out in the region, involving the dismantling and recycling of an Aframax vessel that arrived at the facility with extensive fire damage, more than 1,000 tonnes of hardened cargo residues, and approximately 2,500 tonnes of fuel oil residue.
The challenging condition of the vessel required detailed engineering assessments, strict environmental controls, and specialised dismantling procedures throughout the operation to ensure safe and efficient completion.
Completed over a 120-day period, the project resulted in the safe removal and processing of approximately 14,500 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as 3,500 tonnes of machinery, piping and cables. It also involved the handling and treatment of hazardous materials and hydrocarbon residues through specialised processes.
Capt. Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, said: “The successful completion of this complex project demonstrates the advanced engineering, safety and environmental capabilities that exist in Dubai and the UAE more broadly to support responsible green ship recycling at scale, while supporting sustainable industrial growth.
“Recovering more than 20,000 tonnes of material through a single project also demonstrates the important role ship recycling can play in advancing a circular economy within the maritime sector. As vessels reach the end of their operational life, the industry has a responsibility to ensure valuable resources are recovered safely, efficiently and with the highest environmental standards.”
The project builds on Drydocks World’s approval as a compliant green ship recycling facility under the UAE Ship Recycling Regulation, strengthening its ambition to expand its presence in the growing global ship recycling market.
The operation brought together specialised expertise across logistics, engineering, project management and recycling activities, demonstrating the UAE’s growing capabilities in supporting responsible ship recycling and sustainable end-of-life vessel management.
With increasing numbers of vessels approaching the end of their operational lives and environmental regulations evolving worldwide, demand for responsible ship recycling solutions is expected to continue growing.
The project forms part of Drydocks World’s broader circular economy strategy, which focuses on maximising resource efficiency across its operations and project portfolio.
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