Innovation for lasting maritime value
Elegant Exit Company (EEC) is evolving its Ship to Green Steel (S2GS) proposition through ShipCare, combining ship repair, responsible recycling and suitable newbuilding activities within an adaptable industrial platform.
Our commitment to responsible ship recycling remains unchanged. ShipCare strengthens the commercial foundation needed to deliver it, with infrastructure designed to remain productive across changing markets.
Lessons from practical experience
Across several locations, EEC undertook extensive groundwork to adapt existing infrastructure, particularly graving dry docks, for responsible ship recycling. A recurring constraint emerged: available dock capacity faced competing demand from maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), newbuilding programmes and defence work.
We regard these experiences as constructive failures. Projects that could not proceed as originally envisaged sharpened our understanding of shipyard priorities and helped shape a more resilient approach.
Keeping infrastructure productive
Subdued recycling activity in recent years reinforced the importance of earning revenue across different shipping cycles. Our work also highlighted opportunities to renew ageing infrastructure, including deteriorating floating docks and graving-dock gates requiring substantial rehabilitation.
The purpose-designed floating dry dock (FDD) concept brings these needs together. Its objectives are efficient operation, a long productive service life and flexibility to accommodate different activities. Operating efficiency helps control expenditure, while longevity allows capital investment to be recovered over an extended period.
ShipCare follows a practical sequence: establish repair activity, strengthen yard capabilities and build shipowner confidence, then introduce dedicated floating dry dock capacity for recycling as projects and demand develop. Repairs and recycling can share infrastructure and expertise, provided there are appropriate scheduling, safety and environmental controls.
ShipCare also prioritises deploying automation, mechanisation and remote-operated technologies to minimise human exposure to hazardous tasks and improve worker safety.
Flexibility beyond recycling
Ship-cutting technology will continue to advance. If new methods change the role of floating dry docks in recycling, the concept is intended to retain utility for MRO and suitable newbuilding work within its design capabilities.
The modular “Plug & Play” approach also supports potential redeployment or resale, subject to site suitability and technical and regulatory requirements. This adaptability helps preserve commercial options and residual asset value as markets evolve.
For EEC, “Innovation” means using capital thoughtfully to create durable infrastructure that serves several purposes throughout its working life.
ShipCare carries the S2GS mission forward, connecting the care of ships in service with the responsible recovery of their materials at the end of life.