How Much Does It Cost to Scrap a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

Scrapping a cruise ship is no small task. It requires careful planning and execution, as well as a hefty sum of money. The cost to scrap a cruise ship depends on the size of the vessel, its condition, and the location of the scrapping facility. Some ships can be scrapped for as little as $2 million USD, while larger vessels can cost up to $30 million USD to scrap.

The first step in scrapping any vessel is to assess its condition and determine whether it is viable to scrap or if it needs repairs and maintenance before decommissioning can begin. If repairs are necessary, they will add to the total cost of scrapping. The size of the vessel will also affect the price tag; larger cruise ships take more time and resources to dismantle than their smaller counterparts.

Once a decision has been made about whether or not to proceed with scrapping, it is time to choose a scrapping facility. There are many locations around the world that specialize in decommissioning ships and some may offer better services than others depending on location and pricing. In addition, some countries have regulations that require vessels be scrapped within their borders.

After selecting a suitable facility, it is important to consider how best to transport the vessel from its current location to where it will be decommissioned. This can involve renting specialised barges or tugs for transportation or flying in personnel for dismantling on-site. All of these factors add up quickly when calculating costs.

Finally, there are other expenses associated with scrapping any vessel that must be taken into consideration before moving forward with decommissioning. These include hazardous material removal costs, dismantling fees, storage fees for salvaged equipment and parts, environmental compliance costs such as wastewater treatment fees, and even labor costs for personnel involved in the process.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much it costs to scrap a cruise ship.

Factors such as size, condition, transportation costs, and other associated expenses all play a role in determining how much money must be spent during decommissioning. However, depending on these factors most cruise ships can be scrapped for anywhere between $2 – $30 million USD.