The End of Life at Sea – Wrecks, Responsibility & Recycling

📅 26 March 2026
🕒 15:00 – 18:00
📍 Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam
📋 Register below

When a vessel reaches the end of its operational life, increasingly strict regulations govern how it must be recycled. These frameworks aim to protect safety and prevent environmental harm.

But what happens when a vessel reaches its end unexpectedly — following a major casualty at sea?

Is it still a ship, has it become a wreck, or should it legally be classified as waste? The answer has significant consequences for liability, regulatory obligations and financial exposure — often depending on jurisdiction.

At the same time, financial institutions are facing growing expectations to act not only as lenders, but as responsible stewards of environmental and ethical standards.

During this session, we explore how legal classification, wreck removal and sustainable finance intersect in practice.

We are pleased to welcome two experienced speakers:

Arjan Herrebout

Owner and Senior Consultant at Marinsal Consultants

In his presentation “Ship, Wreck or Waste?”, Arjan will address the practical and legal challenges that arise after major maritime casualties. Using recent case examples, he will explain how geography, legal frameworks and vessel status determine the path forward — and why classification can fundamentally change the outcome.

Ann-Christin Stucke

Sustainability Expert, Corporate Bank at ABN AMRO

Ann-Christin will discuss the tension between responsibility and lending. She will explain how banks are incorporating ship recycling clauses into loan agreements, how standards are being raised beyond existing regulation, and how industry-wide initiatives are fostering collaboration on responsible ship recycling.

The session concludes with drinks and the opportunity to network with fellow members.

We look forward to welcoming you, register below!