Dutch Startup Revolutionizes Ship Dismantling with Innovative Wire Saw Technology

Rotterdam, Netherlands – Dutch startup CMT International (in collaboration with Huisman) has successfully tested a groundbreaking technology poised to revolutionize the ship breaking industry. The prototype of the innovative wire saw technology - demonstrated on December 12^th – cuts through steel ‘like a knife through butter’, as CMT founder Frank Geerdink put it. Now, CMT wants to develop a full scale wire to cut large vessels up to 400 meters with unprecedented speed and precision, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient approach to ship recycling.

A revolutionary technology for ship recycling

The test, witnessed by key stakeholders like cabinet envoy Kees van der Staaij and South Holland deputy Arne Weverling, showcased the wire saw’s ability to slice through steel, the main component out of which ships are made. The wire saw is the first step in CMT’s fully automated system. This will process ships into clean steel scrap, a vital resource for the green steel industry, creating a circular solution beneficial to both the maritime and steel sectors.

Current shipbreaking methods often fall short of environmental and safety standards. CMT's technology addresses this critical challenge by offering a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible alternative. The wire saw’s high cutting speed and durability ensure high throughput, making the process economically competitive with traditional shipbreaking methods. CMT prefers the term "decommissioning" to reflect the company's commitment to maximizing material reuse and minimizing waste.

Backed by strategic partners and funding

Supported by investors including Sojitz Corporation and Jansen Recycling Group (Dordrecht), and funded in part by the EU's Kansen voor West subsidy, CMT's success marks a pivotal step towards scaling up operations. The company plans to realize the first yard capable of processing over 50 vessels annually, followed by global expansion to meet the growing demand for sustainable ship recycling. This expansion is crucial given the anticipated surge in vessels requiring decommissioning in the coming years and the current shortage of environmentally responsible facilities.

“This promising technology offers new opportunities for our maritime sector to accelerate its transition to sustainability. Additionally, the global market for sustainable ship dismantling is growing, which potentially means economic opportunities for our country." said Kees van der Staaij. Arne Weverling added: "The maritime sector holds an important position within our province. We want to preserve and strengthen this characteristic South Holland sector, focusing on innovation. CMT is a great example of how the sector is innovating."

CMT invites interested partners and investors to join them in creating a more sustainable future for the shipping industry. The company’s groundbreaking technology is now ready for widespread adoption, promising a significant environmental and economic impact globally.

^{Image 1: Delegation visiting the first successful test of CMT prototype. (photo: Daniel Verkijk)}

^{Image 2: Impression of full size CMT yard.}

Note to Editors

This press release is an invitation for all stakeholders to learn about the revolution taking place in the ship dismantling industry and the impact that this technological advancement will have on global efforts towards a more sustainable future.

About CMT International

CMT International offers a circular, safe, and competitive solution for dismantling sea vessels. The Dutch company is developing an innovative automated process in collaboration with a consortium of leading partners and investors. This makes it possible to efficiently and safely recover a crucial raw material, such as steel scrap, from sea vessels anywhere in the world. CMT International is headquartered in Rotterdam.