Drydocks World Completes Major Ship Recycling Project
Drydocks World has successfully wrapped up a significant ship recycling project for APT Global Marine, recovering over 20,000 tonnes of steel, machinery, and other materials for reuse at its Dubai facility. This project marks a key step in positioning the UAE as a leader in responsible ship recycling in the region.
The recycling operation was notably challenging, involving the dismantling of an Aframax vessel that arrived with severe fire damage, alongside over 1,000 tonnes of hardened cargo residues and around 2,500 tonnes of leftover fuel oil. This complexity required careful engineering evaluations, environmental safety measures, and specialized dismantling techniques.
Completed in 120 days, the project saw Drydocks World remove and process approximately 14,500 tonnes of various metals, 3,500 tonnes of machinery, pipes, and cables, along with hazardous materials needing expert handling.
Capt. Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, remarked, “Completing this complex project highlights Dubai’s advanced engineering and safety capabilities. This supports responsible ship recycling while contributing to sustainable industrial development.” He noted that the recovery of over 20,000 tonnes of material signifies ship recycling’s crucial role in fostering a circular economy within the maritime sector.
This achievement reinforces Drydocks World’s status as an approved green ship recycling facility under the UAE’s regulations and paves the way for expanding its footprint in the global ship recycling market.
The project also exemplifies collaboration among logistics, engineering, project management, and recycling teams, showcasing the UAE’s growing abilities in responsible ship recycling and managing decommissioned vessels. As more ships near the end of their service life and regulations tighten, the demand for sustainable recycling solutions is set to rise worldwide.
Drydocks World aims to maximize resource efficiency as part of its broader circular economy strategy, focusing on sustainability across its operations.
