Texas shipbreaker prepares to dismantle USS Saipan

Dec 6, 2009

The amphibious assault ship USS Saipan, decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2007, arrived at the Port of Brownsville, Texas on November 18. It is now in the hands of International Shipbreaking Ltd. At 820-feet long, this will be the largest ship that the shipbreaker has ever scrapped. It is also one of the largest vessels to traverse the Brownsville Ship Channel.

It will take approximately one year to take the ship apart, employing 250 people to get the job done. The environmental program manager for International Shipbreaking expects that they will be able to recycle most of the ship – over 90% - and that they will be able to recoup the money they spent towing it from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when they sell the salvaged metal.

Before the scrap metal can be taken care of, however, there are hazardous substances that must be dealt with. Asbestos and other materials must be disposed of by licensed abatement professionals in accordance with strict regulations that govern the industry. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, was commonly used as insulation and fireproofing material on many U.S. Navy ships. The U.S. Navy will also have two of its personnel on site every day to monitor the salvage operation, and they will be reclaiming the ship’s screws for possible reuse.

For the full story, go to The Brownsville Herald.

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