VESSEL recycling volumes for the first half of this year appear to be far below even the relatively negligible levels seen in the corresponding period in 2022.

According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data, just 175 merchant ships have arrived at ship recycling centres since January 1, with a combined gross tonnage of 3.6m. This is some 38% down on the gross tonnage delivered to shipbreakers in the first half of 2022, itself a fallow period for vessel recycling sales and the lowest level seen in almost 15 years.