CCGS Bartlett dismantling highlights collaboration for greener maritime practices

Marine Recycling Corporation (MRC), supported by Green Marine partners, Bluewater Environmental Solutions and Valence Water, was awarded the contract to decommission the Canadian Coast Guard vessel CCGS Bartlett at the Esquimalt Graving Dock, one of the largest non-military dry docks on North America’s West Coast.

Named after Arctic explorer Captain Robert Bartlett, the vessel is remembered for its role in the aftermath of the Ocean Ranger disaster, when it led the surface search for survivors following the loss of the offshore drilling unit in 1982.

MRC was well-qualified to take on the decommissioning of CCGS Bartlett, bringing decades of experience in environmentally responsible ship recycling. Since becoming the world’s first ISO 14001-certified ship recycler in 2000, the company has dismantled over 200 vessels, including naval ships, submarines, and commercial freighters. Its proprietary systems include advanced hazardous-material sampling and testing, as well as comprehensive safety and waste-tracking protocols, allowing complex projects to be executed efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.

Project Scope

The decommissioning of the CCGS Bartlett included:

• Removal and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous materials, including asbestos.
• Gas freeing and preparation of the vessel.
• Sectioning by diamond wire and torch cutting (50–130 mt blocks).
• Lifting and transporting sections to a material barge.
• Daily basin cleaning and final dock washdown.

Collaborative Sustainability

This project highlights the growing importance of environmental leadership through initiatives such as Green Marine’s voluntary environmental certification program, which encourages maritime companies to exceed regulatory standards.

Throughout the decommissioning of the CCGS Bartlett, Bluewater Environmental Solutions managed gas freeing while overseeing the safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring that every step adhered to the highest environmental and safety standards.

Meanwhile, Valence Water deployed its electrochemical water treatment technology to process contaminated fluids directly on-site. In just two weeks, the system treated over 500,000 litres of contaminated wastewater, avoiding the need for off-site transportation. Its compact, automated design reduces material handling by up to 99%, eliminates chemical treatments, and can be scaled to process as much as 900,000 litres per day.

A Model for the Future

Through collaboration with Bluewater and Valence Water, MRC demonstrated how ship recycling can evolve into a model of sustainability and innovation, reducing environmental impact while protecting essential resources. With organizations like Green Marine fostering these partnerships, the industry is advancing toward safer, greener, and more responsible practices.

_{Photos: Marine Recycling Corporation}