BW LPG's Commitment to Sustainable Ship Recycling: The Case of BW Helios

The LPG carrier Bw-Helios, built in 1992, has officially completed its journey to environmentally responsible recycling following its arrival at the Atam Manohar Ship Breakers facility in Alang, India. On January 17, 2019, the vessel reached Alang Anchorage and subsequently beached on January 20, 2019. This decommissioning process highlights BW LPG's staunch support for the Hong Kong Convention, which seeks to ensure safe and environmentally sound recycling practices in the maritime industry.

Martin Ackermann, CEO of BW LPG, confirmed the company's dedication to compliance with international standards for ship recycling. The facility selected for the dismantling of the 57,160 CBM Bw-Helios has been thoroughly audited and certified by an International Class Society, adhering to IMO Resolution 210/63 and the 2012 guidelines set forth by the Hong Kong Convention. Ackermann emphasized that despite the fact many nations have yet to ratify the Convention, BW LPG goes beyond basic compliance to ensure responsible practices are upheld. This includes ensuring safe working conditions, which explicitly involve the prohibition of child labor at the recycling site.

The decommissioning of the Bw-Helios marks not just the end of her service in the maritime industry but also establishes a benchmark in sustainable practices for ship recycling, reinforcing the message that environmental responsibility can coexist with maritime operations.