Navigating Green Ship Recycling: A Systematic Review and Implications for Circularity and Sustainable Development

Omar M. ElMenshawy, M. Ali Ülkü () and Juliana Hsuan
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Omar M. ElMenshawy: Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
M. Ali Ülkü: Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Juliana Hsuan: CRSSCA—Centre for Research in Sustainable Supply Chain Analytics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-23

Abstract: The shipping industry is the cornerstone that facilitates the movement of approximately 90% of international commercial goods. However, environmental challenges, particularly in the ship recycling (SR) industry, have become increasingly evident. Via closed-loop production patterns within an economic system, a circular economy aims to improve resource-use efficiency by focusing on urban and industrial waste to achieve better balance and harmony between the economy, environment, and society. A key element in this process is a well-executed disassembly that enables reuse, remanufacturing, high-value recycling, and implementing other circular strategies. Based on a systematic literature review, this paper delineates the SR process, identifies influential scholarly works on recycling end-of-life ships, discusses factors affecting shipowners’ decision to recycle, and opportunities for sustainability and circularity in SR processes. The results confirm the increasing need for green SR to reduce shipbreaking waste. Also discussed is how greening SR could be integrated into sustainable development goals under proper environmental and safety regulations and an aligned cultural mindset for stakeholders.

Keywords: ship recycling; sustainable development goals; circular economy; reverse logistics; sustainable supply chain; review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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