Green Passport for UK Ship Recycling

The UK Ministry of Defence Disposal Services Agency (DSA), working with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have pioneered an innovative plan for the responsible disposal of UK flagged end of life ships. Following a lengthy period of public consultation, HMS Intrepid will be the first Royal Navy ship to be disposed of in accordance with the recently published DEFRA Guidance Notes on Ship Recycling.

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Over this period, the most environmentally friendly carrier for port to hinterland operations at Germany’s biggest seaport carried a total of 6m tons of goods, for the most part consisting of bulk goods like ore, agricultural products, foodstuffs, animal feeds and mineral oils. The volume of transport rose by 6.5% in comparison with the same period last year, making for the best result since 1990.The ship is also the first to be disposed of under the Green Passport scheme as adopted by the IMO. Currently located in Portsmouth Harbour, HMS Intrepid will be dismantled in the UK in accordance with the Basel Convention on the cross-border shipment of waste.

Leavesley International was announced by the DSA earlier this month as the preferred bidder for the disposal of HMS Intrepid. Negotiations will now take place with Leavesley with the aim of awarding a contract in the spring.

HMS intrepid has a long and distinguished history and saw active service during the Falklands War 25 years ago. Built in 1960 and originally designated L11 landing Platform Dock, the vessel subsequently became the Dartmouth Training Ship, on which many thousands of Officers and Ratings have served.

Leavesley International proposes to recycle the ship in a strictly controlled and managed environment, maintaining the highest safety, health and environmental standards. Stuart Halsey, the company’s project leader said, ‘The recycling of ships is an inherently sustainable activity where over 95% of the ship’s material can be recycled. HMS Intrepid is a typical example and Leavesley International will ensure that every effort will be made to recycle or reuse everything that is not genuine waste.’ MJ Information No:22723