R.J. MacIsaac Construction Ltd. (RJMI) has now become the first ship recycling yard in Canada certified to meet international standards for environmental protection and worker safety.
The Nova Scotia-based company has been certified to comply with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
In order to obtain this international certification, RJMI had to satisfy Lloyds Register that its environmental protection, workforce safety and emergency preparedness systems surpass the stringent conditions of the HKC that will come into effect in 2025.
The mentioned Hong Kong Convention (HKC) is overseen by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations and is a major advancement in environmental and worker safety practices for the maritime sector globally.
Boyd MacIsaac, president of RJMI, said: “Our focus on continuous improvement in safety, environmental protection and efficiency is the reason we are getting these international certifications,” and added that “We are determined to remain the leading green marine ship recycler in Canada.”
RJMI mentions that has safely deconstructed assets including the Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Production Platform, and Canadian government vessels ranging from warships to ferries at its Sheet Harbour facilities.
The company is currently disassembling and recycling the former CCGS Hudson at the Sheet Harbour Facility.
The firm, also claims, that it has expertise in the safe deconstruction of abandoned ships that cannot be moved to a designated recycling yard for disassembly.
Boyd MacIsaac added that “Meeting ever-exacting international standards for safety, environmental protection and efficiency allows us to compete not just in Canada but abroad” and that “Our reputation is our resume, and we intend to grow from our Nova Scotia base.”
