What is Beaching of Ships? Process, Purpose, and Environmental Impact
Published on Nov 23rd 2024
Beaching of ships refers to the deliberate grounding of vessels on a beach or a shore. Typically for dismantling and recycling purposes. Beaching ships is a common method used in the shipbreaking industry to decommission ships that have reached the end of their service life.
In this blog, we will learn all about this method: from process to purpose, to impact.
Process of Beaching
Selection of Shipbreaking Yards:
Shipowners often choose a yard in a country where beaching ships is widely practiced, such as India, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
These countries have extensive tidal beaches that allow large vessels to be grounded.
Preparation of the ship:
Cleaning: Removal of flammable materials and hazardous substances like fuel or lubricants, that help minimize safety risks.
Documentation: Obtaining certificates and permissions from authorities. This is mainly for environmental clearances.
Towage: The vessel is then towed to the chosen beach.
Bleaching process:
The ship is navigated towards the shore during high tide, and intentionally grounded on the beach.
Once beached, the ship remains stationary, allowing workers access for dismantling.
Dismantling and Recycling:
Workers manually cut the ship into smaller pieces using tools like blow torches.
Recovered materials, such as steel, aluminum and copper are sold for recycling, while equipment and components may be repurposed or sold.
Purpose of Beaching
Cost-Effectiveness:
Beaching requires minimal infrastructure compared to dry-docking or pier-side dismantling.
Labour costs are lower in countries where beaching is common.
Material Recovery:
Old ships are a rich source of recyclable materials, especially steel, which can be repurposed for construction and manufacturing.
Employment:
Shipbreaking yards provide jobs for thousands of workers.
Maximising the lifespan of ships:
Beaching ship allows owners to extract the maximum value from old vessels before they are dismantled.
Environmental Impact of Beaching:
Despite its economic benefits, the beaching ship method is highly controversial; it has significant environmental and human health risks.
Negative Impacts:
Pollution of Coastal Areas:
Hazardous substances like oil, heavy metals and asbestos often leak into the soil and water.
Lack of containment infrastructure also results in widespread contamination.
Impact on Marine Life:
Toxins from shipbreaking activities can harm aquatic ecosystems, leading to the bioaccumulation of marine organisms.
Air Pollution:
Burning and cutting of materials release harmful gases, including carbon dioxide, particulate matter and toxic fumes.
Human Health Hazards:
While beaching ships, workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, which can lead to respiratory problems, cancer and other diseases, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Safety measures are also often inadequate, which results in accidents and fatalities.
Efforts to Address Environmental Concerns:
The Ship Recycling Act, 2019:
This regulation is India’s landmark legislation that regulates the shipbreaking industry. The key features of The Ship Recycling Act include:
Recycling Authorisation: All shipbreaking facilities must obtain authorisation from a designated authority.
Inventory of Hazardous Materials: Ships must maintain an inventory of hazardous substances like asbestos, heavy metals and PCBs.
Environmental Protection: Prohibits the dumping of hazardous waste into the coastal environment, and mandates the facilities to have measures for pollution control.
Worker Safety: Requires adequate training, safety equipment and medical facilities for workers.
Shift to Sustainable Methods:
Dry-dock dismantling and pier-side recycling are safer, yet costlier alternatives.
Certified green yards for beaching ships are emerging, which focus on environmentally friendly practices.
Improved Monitoring and Compliance: Environmental agencies and NGOs are also pushing for stricter monitoring of shipbreaking yards.
Beaching ships is a widely used, yet controversial method of ship dismantling. While it contributes significantly to recycling and local economies, its environmental and social impacts are immense. Efforts to transition towards safer and more sustainable practices are essential to mitigate its adverse impacts while preserving its economic benefits.
AMET Institute of Science and Technology offers specialized programs and courses to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to address the challenges of ship recycling, including beaching. Topics covered in these courses include ship construction and decommissioning processes, environmental and safety regulations and the handling of hazardous materials like asbestos, PCBs and oil residues.
