The main aim of this thesis is to provide a better understanding of the regulations regarding ship
recycling and how to make this practice more sustainable. This thesis delves deeper into the topic
of regulations in the ship recycling industry and analyze how they affect actions in practice and
the responsibilities held with weight placed on Norwegian actors. This is viewed through the lens
of global value chains and corporate social responsibility. The latter theories highlight the dark
sides of GVCs, environmental and social upgrading, as well as the responsibilities taken by the
companies in terms of CSR. Combining these theories to the ship recycling industry gives a
greater insight to the complexity of the recycling industry as well as the deep structures
underlying in the creation of regulations. The intriguing relations between the social,
governmental, corporate stances on the issue has been highlighted to complete a thorough
analysis on the ship recycling industry. As the responsibility is placed on different stakeholders in
the different regulations, there is little enforceable law in place. This causes confusion, unfair
competition as well as less sustainable practices. As such, the Norwegian shipping companies
interviewed rely heavily on their own internal strategies and anticipate greater enforcement by the
international system. This thesis will show how there is constant struggle to regulate the ship
recycling industry as well as locating the responsibilities held by different stakeholders, even if
the environment depends on it. This thesis has contributed with new knowledge in terms of
understanding the complexity surrounding the ship recycling industry. This is a topic which has
received very little attention in terms of global value change literature and is of great importance.
As of today, it seems like the best option for securing a more sustainable future of the ship
recycling industry would be a thorough revision of the Hong Kong Convention and the Basel
Convention making them compliant and corporate with the EU. Moreover, there is a need to
create common definitions which are not up for interpretation by individuals, such as hazardous
wastes. This is all along with a fair share of willingness by the shipping companies and investors
to invest in a better future.