Shipbreaking - Dismantling, Scrapping and Recycling Ships

Ships are usually scrapped after about twenty five years service. In the fifties the UK and the USA were world leaders in scrapping ships, but nowadays the Far Eastern yards have the biggest share of the industry. The most recycled material is steel from the hull and deck, this being melted and rolled into new steel plates. Non-ferrous metals are similarly disposed off with machinery and furniture being auctioned. The waste some of it hazardous is sometimes dumped or buried, the labour force and the environment paying the price. However, Leavesley’s International in the UK has successfully scrapped HMS Intrepid, a Royal Navy warship, within current legislations. This was done with no adverse effect on the workforce or the environment.