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    • Even ships deserve a second life

    At our shipyard in Ghent, we have been dismantling ships for more than 75 years with great respect for people and the environment. Inland vessels, container ships, warships and even cruise ships are dismantled and recycled according to the highest standards. More than 98% of each ship is recovered, most of it as circular raw materials for the steel industry. Did you know that we are unique in Belgium with this activity?

    Scheepswerf Gent aug 25

    Ship recycling

    At our ship dismantling yard in Ghent, we break down ships with respect for people and the environment. On average, we dismantle around 30 ships per year. Inland vessels, container ships and warships are all taken apart and recycled following a standard procedure. Whether it is a small fishing boat or a luxury cruise ship, the process is always the same:

    • Preliminary study and inventory of all materials
    • Decommissioned ships are towed to Galloo Ghent with the help of pilots and tugboats
    • Then, a preliminary dismantling of the entire interior begins: furniture and decorations are removed. This releases around 50 different material streams. Cables, wood, metal, glass – each follows its own path in recycling into raw materials.
    • After the preliminary dismantling, the ship is horizontally dismantled deck by deck. Once at the waterline, the ship is pulled into the dry dock, after which a vertical demolition begins, 

    The story about the Astoria

    In early 2025, Galloo had the opportunity to purchase the cruise ship ​“Astoria”, which was ready for scrapping after going bankrupt. The ship dates from 1948 and, with its 160-metre length and 7 decks, will provide work for around 40 employees for a year. 

    Discover the story of 'Astoria'