EPIC To Establish Sustainable Ship Recycling, Decommissioning Facilities At Kemaman Port

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC) is set to establish a green ship recycling facility (GSRF) and decommissioning remediation facility (DRF) at Kemaman Port. 

EPIC said in a statement today that the pioneer establishment through its subsidiary Eastern Pacific Marine Services Sdn Bhd is expected to transform the maritime industry once it becomes fully operational by the end of 2026.

Occupying a 13-acre site at Kemaman Supply Base (KSB), EPIC said this cutting-edge facility is slated to become a cornerstone for sustainable ship recycling and decommissioning in the region.

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“The GSRF is designed to comply with the highest international environmental and safety standards, including the stringent requirements outlined in the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention).

“The convention which will enter into force on June 26 next year ensures that ships at the end of their operational lives are safely recycled, minimising risks to human health and the environment,” it said.

According to the statement, a wet berth, one of the key features of the GSRF is specifically engineered to handle large and complex decommissioning projects, including the deconstruction of offshore platforms that enables seamless handling of massive structures, thus further positioning the GSRF as a facility of choice for offshore assets disposal.

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“GSRF will also function as the onshore disposal yard or DRF for offshore platforms that are scheduled for decommissioning.

“This dual-purpose role reflects EPIC’s effort to support Malaysia’s offshore oil and gas sector in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring that decommissioning activities are carried out with minimal impact on the environment,” it said.

EPIC said the group is confident that GSRF will serve as a model for the industry, setting new standards for environmental sustainability and operational excellence.

In the same statement, its chief executive officer Muhtar Suhaili said the facility is also set to revolutionise the disposal of end-of-life ships and platforms through its exceptional potential and efficiency aligning with its strategic location and compliance with top-tier health, safety and environmental (HSE) guidelines.

“Operating out of Kemaman Port, a strategically located all-weather and deep water port, the GSRF is expected to process between 30,000 and 50,000 tonnes of material annually, making it one of the most efficient and safe ship recycling facilities in the region.

“This initiative is also optimised for CO2 emission reduction and sustainable non-metal component recycling,” Muhtar said. 

As more than just a recycling yard, the facility represents a new benchmark in sustainable maritime operations, he said, adding that he believed the GSRF will not only diversify the group’s offerings but also bolster Kemaman Port’s transformation into a green port.

-- BERNAMA