Sustainable Yacht Scrapping: Visit to Yacht Recycling Foundation

Visit to Yacht Recycling Foundation
Yesterday we paid an inspiring visit to Foundation Yacht Recycling as part of our yacht broker training. This visit not only offered us insight into the responsible disposal of discarded yachts, but also the environmental issues behind it. In this blog post, we share what we learned and why this topic is so relevant to the future of the yachting industry.

What happens to a yacht at the end of its life cycle?
In the Netherlands and Belgium, it is estimated that more than 15,000 yachts have reached the end of their useful life. These boats, often neglected and abandoned, pose a risk to the environment. They can leak oil and fuel, sometimes still contain asbestos, and contribute to the increasing pollution of our waterways.

Yacht Recycling Foundation: sustainable solution to yacht scrapping
Foundation Yacht Recycling is the specialist in sustainable yacht recycling. Their goal? To ensure that boats are broken down responsibly and valuable materials are reused. This involves working with certified professionals and environmental professionals, such as a full EMCI yacht recycler and a safety coordinator.
They follow a clear and transparent procedure so that each vessel is processed correctly and sustainably.

How does scrapping and recycling a yacht work?
1. Inspection and transportation
The process begins with a thorough inspection of the vessel. Then the yacht is safely transported to the demolition site.
2. Material separation
During disassembly, various materials such as wood, steel, aluminum, and fiber-reinforced plastic (VVK) are carefully separated. This allows usable raw materials to be recovered, drastically reducing environmental impact.
3. Certification of demolition
Upon completion, the owner receives a scrapping certificate. This guarantees that the vessel was completely and correctly recycled - important for insurance, government and future sales.

Environmental gain and cost savings
For every 1,000 kg that does not go to the incinerator, an average of €50 in costs is saved. Recycling not only protects the environment, but also contributes to a circular economy.
What can yacht brokers contribute?
As future yacht brokers, we see it as our job to make owners aware of their responsibilities around the end-of-life of a yacht. By working with parties such as the Yacht Recycling Foundation, we can encourage sustainable choices within the industry.
Want to know more about yacht recycling?
Want to learn more about how to get your yacht scrapped or recycled in an environmentally friendly way? Then visit the official website of the Yacht Recycling Foundation for detailed information about their services:
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