In recent years, The Netherlands has steadily developed into a centre for ship recycling. With stricter international rules approaching and a growing demand for circular dismantling of vessels, Dutch facilities and maritime companies are responding with practical solutions. While recycling activity remains limited in scale, the regulatory clarity, infrastructure, and emerging technologies make The Netherlands a noteworthy player within Europe for safe and sustainable end-of-life vessel management.
The legal framework governing ship recycling in The Netherlands is largely shaped by EU Regulation 1257/2013. This regulation is directly applicable and mandates that seagoing vessels of 500 GT and above under EU flag must be recycled only at facilities listed on the EU-approved list. Ships must carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and report the intended recycling to the Dutch authorities. The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, ratified by The Netherlands in 2019, will enter into force on 26 June 2025 and is expected to further streamline and harmonize global ship recycling standards. In practice, Dutch implementation already aligns with the key requirements of the convention.
In terms of available infrastructure, the primary facility for commercial-scale ship recycling in The Netherlands is operated by Jansen Recycling Group in Vlaardingen, near Rotterdam. This facility is located on a 36,500 m² waterfront site with its own quay and direct access to the North Sea. Jansen is certified for dismantling both seagoing vessels and offshore structures.
While Jansen covers the commercial and industrial end of the recycling spectrum, a separate initiative exists for recreational craft and small vessels. Stichting Jacht Recycling operates from Bovenkarspel and offers a solution for decommissioning smaller boats, such as yachts and sloops.
The Netherlands is also home to a number of pioneering efforts aimed at reshaping how ship recycling is approached. One notable initiative is Circular Maritime Technologies (CMT), based in the Rotterdam-Botlek area. CMT is piloting new dismantling techniques using precision waterjet cutting, material traceability, and closed-loop recovery. These systems are designed to maximize the reuse of valuable components and metals, while operating with minimal environmental footprint.
With its North Sea access, dense port infrastructure, and highly regulated environment, The Netherlands is well-positioned to offer an alternative to low-cost recycling in distant jurisdictions. Although its facilities are fewer in number compared to some southern European or Asian countries, the quality, transparency, and legal certainty available in The Netherlands give shipowners and insurers greater control over the recycling process. From a P&I perspective, this means that risk management can be better aligned with compliance, sustainability, and reputational considerations.
For shipowners preparing for the end-of-life phase of their vessels, early planning remains key. Ensuring the IHM is complete and up to date, identifying approved recycling facilities, and working with local experts familiar with Dutch regulations can help ensure a smooth and compliant process. As always, NNPC Correspondents remain available to assist clubs and members with local procedures, coordination with ILT, and connecting with relevant Dutch facilities. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at correspondents@nnpc-correspondents.nl.
This is an informative and incomplete post. NNPC Correspondents does not pass judgment on the facilities mentioned.