Norddeutsche Reederei Opts for Greener Ship Recycling

Shipspotting Hamburg-based shipping firm Norddeutsche Reederei H. Schuldt has appointed the classification society DNV GL to carry out Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) certifications for its managed fleet of more than 50 vessels. The 3,700 TEU containership Northern Dexterity, the first vessel to undergo sampling and testing, is scheduled to receive the IHM certificate in February 2017. The sampling and analyses on board Northern Dexterity is being carried out by hazmat specialists from the two independent laboratories exag GmbH Marine Consulting and QSU GmbH, under the supervision of DNV GL. Expected to be completed by early 2018, the certification project will provide independent verification of the vessels IHM, as required by the European Ship Recycling Regulation. The IHM is one of the cornerstones of the European Ship Recycling Regulation, according to which every EU-flagged newbuild has to carry an inventory of all hazardous materials contained in its structure or equipment with a statement of compliance by December 31, 2018. The IHM is also an important feature of the Hong Kong Convention, which is expected to enter into force in 2020. The IHM is an important step on the way to ensuring environmentally responsible ship recycling and therefore also important to us at Norddeutsche Reederei, Dennys Wulf, Quality Management Director at Norddeutsche Reederei H. Schuldt, said. The European Ship Recycling Regulation, in force since December 30, 2013, addresses the environmental and health issues associated with ship recycling while avoiding unnecessary economic burdens. Image Courtesy: Shipspotting