End-of-life ship recycling deal for Scotland
End-of-life ship recycling has received a boost with the signing of a long-term deal in Inverclyde that sees the giant Inchgreen Dry Dock being leased as an export hub for the responsible decommissioning of global shipping fleets.
North-East England-based ATLAS Decommissioning, which specialises in the end-of-life disposal of marine infrastructure, has contracts in place with “blue chip” container lines for multiple vessels that they are removing from their current trading fleet.
A waste management licence has been granted by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) giving permission for the work to go ahead.
“Inchgreen Dry Dock, as well as its size, also has direct access to very deep water,” says Mike Wood, project director of ATLAS Decommissioning. “As a facility for the contracts we have in place I’d go as far as to say it is unique in the UK.
“There is also the attraction of the skilled workforce in Inverclyde due to its shipbuilding legacy. What we are doing here is essentially shipbuilding in reverse and requires much of the same engineering excellence and expertise.”
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, says: “This is a terrific shot in the arm for the Inverclyde economy that will deliver almost 100 new, skilled jobs to the area and breathe new life into a key asset which is of local and national significance. Working alongside Peel Ports Clydeport and by welcoming inward investment from companies like ATLAS Decommissioning, we have the potential here to make Inchgreen a centre of excellence for marine engineering and marine-related activity.”
Peel Ports director Jim McSporran comments: “We are fully committed to having Inchgreen Dry Dock, which is a jewel in the crown of Scotland, back in full industrial use.
“That usage will pay full regard to such important issues as circularity and sustainability, as with this deal. We are excited to be working with ATLAS Decommissioning, a company with strong connections to global players in the shipping industry.”
