Vessel Beaching

Vessel beaching—the intentional grounding of a ship on a beach or shoreline for dismantling and recycling—is a common method for decommissioning end-of-life vessels. While the practice can provide a cost-effective means of recovering valuable materials from retired vessels, concerns have been raised regarding potential environmental impacts, worker safety, and the management of hazardous materials associated with the practice. EnerGeo Alliance is committed to promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Thus, EnerGeo encourages member companies to carefully consider the potential environmental impacts of all actions, including the appropriate methodology to decommission outdated equipment and vessels.

While vessel beaching remains a legally accepted practice in some regions of the world, it is restricted or prohibited in others. EnerGeo discourages the use of vessel beaching because of the potential environmental, worker safety, and waste-management challenges associated with dismantling vessels in coastal and intertidal environments. Improperly managed vessel disposal can result in the release of hazardous materials, impacts to coastal ecosystems, and risks to worker health and safety. In contrast, vessel recycling and decommissioning conducted at appropriately managed facilities can support the recovery and reuse of valuable materials while minimizing environmental impacts and waste generation.

Although the offshore geophysical fleet represents only a small portion of the global shipping fleet, EnerGeo believes that vessel retirement and disposal should be conducted in a manner consistent with recognized environmental and safety best practices.

Consistent with these principles, EnerGeo encourages members to evaluate alternative decommissioning and recycling options wherever practicable. Where vessels are recycled or dismantled in regions where beaching is an accepted practice, member companies should conduct appropriate due diligence to verify that shipyard operations include effective environmental controls, worker protections, and procedures for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.