Grieg Star is recycling its first vessel in Europe under the EU regulation on Ship Recycling (EU SRR).
The 43,800-dwt geared bulker Star Gran (built 1986) will be broken up at Leyal Ship Recycling Group in Turkey, Grieg said on Wednesday.
The EU-approved breaking yard is located near the city of Aliaga on Turkey's Aegean coast, close to the handymax’s last discharge port.
Grieg Star last sold a ship for demolition in 2016 and has historically opted for Chinese shipbreaking yards, data from VesselsValue shows.
Camilla Grieg, chief executive of the shipping company, said: “Star Gran is 33 years [old], and it is time for her to have her last voyage. She has served us well, and it is wistfully we send her to the recycling yard."
The Norwegian shipowner said it sees the EU SRR is an important next step in improving sustainability in the shipping business.
Grieg Star’s ship recycling subsidiary Grieg Green is overseeing Star Gran’s sale for demolition and will ensure that work is compliant with the requirements of the EU SRR.
Camilla Grieg said the company felt “confident in a transparent and high-quality process”.
