Bahrain + AP Moller-Maersk partner to boost local ship recycling sector: Shipping giant Maersk has inked a MoU with Bahrain to develop and expand the ship recycling sector in the country, according to a statement. The pair look to build a robust ship recycling industry in the country to promote sustainable manufacturing and accelerate local economic growth.

Who’s involved? Maersk signed the MoU with Bahrain’s Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry and its Industry and Commerce Ministry. Bahrain-based multinational vessel manufacturer Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ARSY), Bahrain Steel, and Khalifa Bin Salman Port Operator APM Terminals Bahrain will serve as partners.

Details: The agreement aims to promote collaboration between the relevant firms in studying safe and sustainable ship recycling processes, according to BNA. The Bahraini ministries will prepare docks and yards to accommodate larger ships. Maersk will attract ships for recycling and offer its consultancy services to ensure that the operations comply with global standards. Bahrain Steel will take the recyclable steel and process it for redistribution in local and international markets.

Maersk’s ship recycling program: The shipping firm first got involved in ship recycling in 2015 to develop an environmentally conscious and safe shipbuilding program. “As ships were closing in on the 20-year mark we wanted to make sure we actually had a well-defined, responsible ship recycling program in place with clear standards,” while also having the supplier and onground facilities prepared to manage the pipeline of ships as they grow older, Maersk Responsible Ship Recycling Head Prashant Widge said in an interview (watch, runtime: 2:25).

Ship recycling volumes are forecasted to double by 2028 globally, leading Maersk to look at ensuring that the growth in demand is met by suppliers with responsible practices, according to the shipping firm’s website.

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