Drydocks World completes major green ship recycling project in Dubai

Dubai: Drydocks World has completed a major ship recycling project for APT Global Marine, recovering more than 20,000 tonnes of steel, machinery and other materials for sustainable reuse at its facility in Dubai. The project marks a significant milestone in efforts to position the UAE as a regional centre for responsible ship recycling and sustainable maritime services. One of the most complex ship recycling projects undertaken in the region, the operation involved the dismantling and recycling of an Aframax vessel that arrived with extensive fire damage, more than 1,000 tonnes of hardened cargo residues, and approximately 2,500 tonnes of fuel oil residue. The project required detailed engineering assessments, specialised dismantling procedures and strict environmental controls throughout the operation. Completed over a period of 120 days, the project saw Drydocks World safely remove and process around 14,500 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, 3,500 tonnes of machinery, piping and cables, as well as hazardous materials and hydrocarbon residues requiring specialist treatment. Capt. Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, said: “The successful completion of this complex project demonstrates the advanced engineering, safety and environmental capabilities that exist in Dubai and the UAE more broadly to support responsible green ship recycling at scale, while supporting sustainable industrial growth.” He added that recovering more than 20,000 tonnes of material from a single vessel highlights the role ship recycling can play in advancing a circular economy within the maritime sector. The project builds on Drydocks World’s approval as a compliant green ship recycling facility under the UAE Ship Recycling Regulation and supports its ambitions to expand its presence in the global ship recycling market. Drydocks World said the operation brought together specialist expertise across logistics, engineering, project management and recycling services, reflecting the growing capabilities of the UAE in sustainable end-of-life vessel management. The company added that demand for responsible ship recycling is expected to increase globally as more vessels approach the end of their operational life and environmental regulations continue to evolve. The project forms part of Drydocks World’s broader circular economy strategy focused on maximising resource efficiency and sustainable industrial operations.