Germany has officially approved its first facility for dismantling and recycling large ships, operated by EWD Benli Recycling GmbH in Emden, East Frisia.
The company, led by managing directors Björn Sommer and Dr. Sebastian Jeanvré, received final approval from the Oldenburg Trade Supervisory Office in early May, marking a significant milestone for the German maritime sector. The core focus will be on dismantling ocean-going vessels, inland ships, coasters, ferries, and passenger ships, essentially any vessel that can pass through Emden’s sea lock.
The approval follows a year-long certification process, during which the company received strong support from local and regional authorities. With the green light in hand, EWD Benli Recycling is now actively pursuing new projects that had to be previously declined during the approval phase.
This venture is also a collaboration with ReLog GmbH, a leader in industrial plant dismantling, co-managed by Dr. Jeanvré. The partnership will enable combined expertise in dismantling not just ships but also broader industrial infrastructure.
The facility, housed in a shipyard established in 1903, includes two floating docks, a dry dock, and nearly two kilometers of quay space.
