The "Roadmap on the implementation of the circular economy for end-of-life boats” was launched by European Boating Industry (EBI) on Thursday, 30 March.

It sets the stage to comprehensively solve the issue of end-of-life boats, a key challenge for the industry. Public and private stakeholders, including national authorities, industry, consumers/boaters, academia, and related industries came together to develop a comprehensive approach. It follows the successful dismantling and recycling schemes already set up in many European countries.

The industry, represented by EBI, commits to phasing out landfilling and energy recovery by 2030. It will expand the use of more sustainable recycling solutions in coordination with other composite use industries, such as wind energy. The Roadmap places the boating industry on a pathway to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal through the implementation of a number of policy objectives, namely the New approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU Transforming the EU’s Blue Economy, the Circular Economy Action Plan and Zero Pollution Ambition. In addition, the European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism and Staff Working Document on Nautical Tourism include end-of-life boats as priority areas.

Moreover, it provides recommendations to be implemented, including on financing, dismantling, transport, recycling, research and innovation. The Roadmap will be executed by political and private-sector actors and be driven forward by a new EU Network on end-of-life boats, promoting action at EU level and better coordination of Member States. Several countries have also indicated their interest in using the Roadmap as a blueprint to develop a comprehensive approach on end-of-life boats.

You can learn more here.