A scrapping deal reported earlier this year as a leap forward for green recycling is finally moving ahead after a four-month delay due to bureaucracy and contract terms.

From the end of January until 8 May, according to Dutch-based cash buyer start-up Elegant Exit, the 1,088-teu Wan Hai 165 (built 1998) sat at Bahrain’s Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) awaiting a series of approvals from eight government ministries in addition to Bahraini customs.