Green Ship Recycling: Balancing Sustainability, Safety, and Profitability

A new study co-authored by Professor Juliana Hsuan, Department of Operations Management, highlights the transformative shift in green ship recycling, emphasizing the shift from traditional waste management to a circular economy approach. The research identifies key challenges, including work safety, regulatory inconsistencies, and the need for sustainable technological investments.

03/05/2025

The article provides a systematic review of green ship recycling, revealing how the field has progressed from focusing solely on waste management to incorporating risk analysis and sustainability measures. Toxic substance handling remains a priority, and concerns regarding employee safety in ship-breaking yards - especially in South Asian countries—have intensified. Weak regulatory enforcement in some regions continues to pose challenges, raising human rights concerns over labor conditions.

A key development in research is the link between green ship recycling and the circular economy, which promotes resource efficiency and long-term environmental balance. This transition requires an interdisciplinary approach, as the industry moves from a linear supply chain to a circular model that considers cultural, economic, environmental, and societal factors. However, this shift introduces new complexities, particularly in balancing short-term profitability with long-term sustainability goals. Investments in environmentally friendly recycling technologies will be essential for success.

Regulatory frameworks, such as the Hong Kong Convention and EU Ship Recycling Regulations, play a crucial role in ensuring safe and sustainable practices. However, enforcement remains uneven, particularly in countries that rely on beaching methods. Strengthening these regulations and investing in safer, greener technologies will be essential in shaping the future of ship recycling.The study calls for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to collaborate on solutions that align economic interests with sustainability imperatives, ensuring a responsible and efficient ship recycling industry. 

Read more: “Navigating Green Ship Recycling: A Systematic Review and Implications for Circularity and Sustainable Development”. Sustainability, 16(17), ElMenshawy, O. M., Ülkü, M. A., & Hsuan, J. (2024).

Article 7407. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177407
 

 

The page was last edited by: Department of Operations Management // 03/05/2025