EU conference on end-of-life boats
The Belgian EU Presidency, in collaboration with the European Commission and European Boating Industry (EBI), convened a landmark conference in March in Brussels to address the pressing issue of end-oflife recreational boats.
Representatives from the Belgian EU Presidency, European Commission and the EBI underscored the urgency and necessity of cooperation in tackling this critical issue.
Robert Marx, President of EBI said: ‘As we move forward, it is imperative that the momentum generated by this conference translates into concrete action. The implementation of the EU Roadmap must be the key next step after the approaching EU elections. Industry is ready, the technology is ready and we now need to set up the regulatory framework to make it happen. We are delighted to have the support of the European Commission and Belgian Council Presidency in this endeavour’.
Separately, South Hams District Council in Devon has launched a new project aimed at stopping abandoned boats from ending up in landfill, working with Creeksite Boatyard in Dartmouth to recycle old sailing boats.
In another initiative, Responsible Boat Disposal is offering re-homing and recycling services to boat owners who seek to dispose of their vessels, operating all over the country. The group searches for new owners for the boats and removes the yachts from both land and water. If no other options are available, the group dismantles and scraps boats. www.boat-disposal.co.uk