Emden Werft to launch Germany’s first approved maritime recycling facility
Bringing scrapping capacity to Europe will increase domestic steel recycling potential (Source: Bin im Garten, CC, wikipedia)
Emden Werft and Dock (EWD), a shipyard with over a century of repair and conversion expertise, is set to become Germany’s first officially approved maritime recycling centre. Now rebranded as EWD Benli Recycling, the facility has partnered with German recycler ReLog and secured all necessary environmental and trade permits from Lower Saxony authorities.
Situated on the Ems River, the yard is equipped to dismantle a range of vessels, including inland craft, ferries, coastal and government-owned ships. According to managing director Björn Sommer, the yard can handle any unit that fits through Emden’s sea lock. The site is also prepared to recycle offshore wind components and large industrial structures.
The yard’s strategic location as a storm-proof, EU-compliant emergency port supports year-round operation. Equipped with modern cranes, sealed working zones, and extensive dock infrastructure, the facility meets EU ship recycling regulations, which demand high environmental and material recovery standards.
Owned since 2020 by the Benli Group of Bremerhaven, EWD draws on its experience in wind energy and industrial dismantling. With fleet renewal driven by tighter environmental rules, EWD is positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s emerging small-ship recycling market.
