The Largest Container Ship Recycled

By Sanjana Bhowmick

The record for recycling the largest container ship was set; by Bansal Ship Recyclers LLP of Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The ship named ‘MV Kawasaki’ with an LDT of 34,318 metric tonnes, was beached on July 4, 2020, at the company’s yard located at Alang. The cutting and recycling of the ship got completed, and the final clearance was received in 2021 by the Port Authority. Director of the Bansal Group, Rubal Bansal, talks to IBR about this extraordinary feat achieved.

#1. Tell us about your company?

Bansal Group, established in 1983, is a premier recycling company situated in Alang, stretching over a total of 5 acres of land for its ship recycling. With an experience of more than 35 years of ship recycling, Bansal Group is now a diversified business group engaged in the field of ship recycling, manufacturing of industrial oxygen gas, real estate, or dealing in scrap, minerals, metals, machinery, and machine tools. By far, we have dismantled 82 vessels weighing about 800007 metric tonnes. #2. What challenges did you face while recycling?

While dismantling the ship, compliance with health, safety and environmental parameters are our day-to-day challenges. But additionally, due to the impact of Covid-19, we faced the challenge of shortage of labour, as they migrated to their corresponding native.

#3. Since how long you planned for this record?

I have planned for this record the moment we obtained the bid of the ship. #4. Share a memorable incident associated with this record.

During the intertidal landing of the ship, when she accelerated her power, she did not reach the point where we wanted to anchor it. Later on, when the engine was turned off, we had to rig it with our winch power. We waited for another 15 days till the next tide.

#5. Tips you would suggest future record holders.

Breaking the record is not difficult for those who see opportunity in every difficulty. One needs to be optimistic and set a timeline to achieve a goal. #6. What is the next record you want to achieve?

To recycle the largest ship in the world.