Ever wondered what happens to older cruise ships when they reach the end of their lives? These giant floating cities make their last voyage to a ship breaking yard, where they are broken down for scrap metal and parts. In this article, we will explore the process of decommissioning cruise ships that have reached their expiration date in the cruise industry.

Where do ships go when they are scrapped?

The answer is that they are often sent to scrapyards to be dismantled and recycled. Two of the most well-known scrapyards in the world are Alang in India and Aliaga in Turkey.

Alang, situated in the Indian state of Gujarat, is among the largest ship-breaking yards globally. Around 50% of the world’s ships are estimated to be broken down here.

Aliaga is a ship breaking yard in Turkey, located in the Izmir province. 

The process of breaking down a ship in Aliaga is similar to that in Alang. The ship is run aground on the beach, and the workers remove all the hazardous materials and other fixtures. The vessel is then cut into smaller pieces and transported to various recycling facilities for further processing.

How many cruise ships are scrapped each year?

The fate of cruise ships that have reached their end-of-life is not uniform and varies yearly. The statistics reveal that the scrapping of cruise ships was minimal in 2019 when only one was scrapped. However, the trend changed significantly in 2020, when nine cruise ships were scrapped, and the numbers continued to climb in 2021, with 11 cruise ships being retired. The scrapping of cruise ships reached its peak in 2022, with as many as 18 cruise ships being taken out of service.

One of the primary reasons for the increase in the number of cruise ships being scrapped in recent years is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the cruise industry. The pandemic forced cruise lines to suspend operations, leading to a significant reduction in cruise travel. This reduction in demand for cruise travel resulted in reduced revenues and profits for cruise lines, compelling them to implement cost-cutting measures.

To optimize their fleets and streamline their operations, multiple cruise lines have decided to retire older and less efficient cruise ships, increasing the number of vessels being scrapped. Additionally, the cruise industry has been continuously updating its technology and fleet to meet changing passenger preferences and to offer enhanced safety measures, further fueling the retirement of their oldest ships.

Are ships often repurposed for a new line?

Cruise ships are often sold to other cruise lines, and this is a common practice in the industry. There are several reasons why a cruise ship might be sold, including upgrades, changing market conditions, and financial considerations.

One of the main reasons why cruise ships are sold is to upgrade the fleet. Cruise lines are constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience and stay competitive in the market. This means investing in new ships with the latest amenities and technologies. Older ships may be sold to other cruise lines or retired from service to make room for these newer ships. 

Financial considerations also play a role in selling a cruise ship. Ships are expensive to maintain, and operating an older cruise vessel may outweigh the benefits. Sometimes, a cruise line may sell a ship to raise capital or reduce debt. 

Despite the many reasons why cruise ships may be sold, the process can be complex and lengthy. Factors such as market demand, the ship’s condition, and buyers’ availability can all impact the sale process. In some cases, cruise ships may be sold through public auctions, while in other cases, sales may be negotiated privately.

When a cruise ship is sold, it is usually purchased by another cruise line or charter company. The vessel may be rebranded and given a new name, or it may continue to operate under its original name. In some cases, the ship may undergo renovations or upgrades in a shipyard to better fit the needs of its new owner and passengers.

How long are ships built to last?

Cruise ships are often considered a luxurious way to travel and explore the world’s most beautiful destinations. But how long do these floating marvels tend to last? On average, cruise ships have an operational life span of 30 years; however, some may remain in service for even longer.

Interestingly enough, there are still several old cruise ships that are currently in operation today. For example, the Marco Polo was built in 1965 and has been renovated multiple times since then, and today it remains one of the oldest still active cruise liners sailing globally. Similarly, the Astoria is another ship from 1948 that has been refurbished and converted into a small luxury vessel with space for up to 550 passengers.

It’s important to note that despite their age, both classic vessels offer modern amenities while retaining their vintage charm.

The Scrapping Process

The process of breaking down a ship is a complex one that involves many steps. First, the ship is beached on the shore, and then the workers dismantle it piece by piece. The ship is first emptied of fuel, oil, and other hazardous materials. Then, the workers remove the fixtures, fittings, and other materials that can be sold for scrap.

The next step is to cut the ship into smaller pieces that can be transported more easily. This is done using large cranes and cutting torches. The steel plates are cut into smaller pieces and sent to various steel mills for recycling. Non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and aluminum are also removed and sold for further processing.

The ship-breaking industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of workers worldwide. However, it is also an industry fraught with danger and environmental hazards. Workers dismantling these ships are often exposed to hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and other toxic substances. Breaking down a ship also generates a lot of waste and pollution that can harm the environment.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern among environmentalists and human rights activists about the conditions in these ship-breaking yards. Many of these yards are located in developing countries where labor laws are weak and workers are often exploited. There have been reports of child labor, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses in these yards.

In conclusion, the ship-breaking industry is essential to the global economy. However, it is also an industry that carries with it a lot of risks and hazards. As consumers, we must be aware of the impact that our choices have on the environment and on the lives of the workers who are involved in this industry. We can do this by supporting companies committed to sustainability and ethical practices and demanding better working conditions and environmental standards in the ship-breaking industry.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Cruise Ship Scrapping

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on industries across the globe, and the cruise ship industry was no exception. With many countries imposing travel restrictions and cruise ships being forced to dock for extended periods, the industry was hit hard. 

Some cruise ship companies were forced to sell or scrap their vessels to stay afloat. The process of scrapping a cruise ship is a complex one. It involves dismantling the vessel in a responsible and environmentally-friendly manner. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the ship’s size and the scrapping facility’s location. 

One of the main reasons that cruise ship companies were forced to scrap their vessels was the financial burden of maintaining them during the pandemic. With no passengers on board, cruise ships require constant upkeep to remain seaworthy. This includes regular maintenance and repairs and the cost of keeping the crew on board. 

Another reason that cruise ship companies were scrapping their vessels is due to the uncertainty surrounding the industry’s future. With many countries still imposing travel restrictions and the public’s perception of cruise ships being negatively impacted by the pandemic, it was difficult for the industry to bounce back in the short term. 

Scrapping a vessel is more viable than keeping it in storage with no clear indication of when it can return to service. 

Are Cruise Ships Used As Artificial Reefs?

The sinking of old ships is not an everyday event, but it’s not unheard of either. In fact, some cruise ships have been intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs for marine life and scuba divers. Artificial reefs are man-made structures that serve as habitats for sea creatures and attract divers from all over the world. While some people may see this as a positive development, others are concerned about the potential environmental impact.

One recent example is the sinking of the American Glory, a small cruise ship that was deliberately sunk off the coast of Delaware in November 2019. The goal was to create an artificial reef that would provide new habitats for marine life and attract more tourists to the area. The American Glory had been decommissioned and was no longer in use, making it an ideal candidate for this purpose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fate of old cruise ships is varied and heavily dependent on their condition and the demand for them. In some cases, they are recycled or scrapped to provide valuable materials; in others, they are sold to new owners with plans to refurbish them. Ultimately, what happens to old cruise ships is a complex matter that requires careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.