UAE Strengthens Ship Recycling Laws to Enhance Safety and Sustainability
On June 26, 2025, the United Arab Emirates formally implemented its Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR), introducing a comprehensive ban on beaching and landing methods for end-of-life vessels. Instead, all ship dismantling must now occur exclusively in dry docks or facilities with impermeable flooring and structured containment systems. This regulation aligns the UAE’s policy with international frameworks such as the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which also enters into force on the same date, and mirrors the EU’s stringent Ship Recycling Regulation.
The regulation applies broadly to UAE-flagged vessels as well as foreign vessels destined for recycling either within UAE territory or from UAE waters, provided the decision to recycle was made while the vessel was in UAE jurisdiction. The scope includes ships over 500 gross tonnes, with exemptions for smaller vessels and state-owned or warships.
A central component of the SRR is the requirement for a robust Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). All newly constructed vessels under the UAE flag must carry an IHM from the effective date. Existing UAE-flagged ships must comply by June 26, 2030, or before proceeding to recycling. The IHM must detail the presence, location, and quantities of hazardous materials, including persistent organic pollutants such as PFOS and HBCDD.
Owners of vessels subject to the SRR are prohibited from reflagging their ships merely to avoid adherence to the new regulation. Additionally, foreign vessels that enter UAE waters without a compliant IHM or intend to be recycled at non‑compliant facilities may be denied entry or subject to penalties.
Recycling facilities operating under the SRR must obtain official approval, function within dry-dock settings or equivalent controlled environments, and maintain strict management protocols to prevent environmental contamination and ensure worker safety. They must also submit detailed ship recycling plans and report any incidents, injuries, or occupational diseases occurring during recycling operations.
This regulation marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s maritime policy, positioning it at the forefront of environmentally responsible ship recycling. By banning traditional beaching and landing practices and enforcing dry-dock methods, the UAE not only safeguards its coastal and marine environments but also promotes higher standards for worker protection. Aligning with the Hong Kong Convention and EU SRR frameworks, these measures are set to enhance global sustainability in ship recycling and bolster investor confidence in green maritime infrastructure.
