So now it is happening after all, although the last owner still emphasised that the ship would not be scrapped. Rumours of it being scrapped had been circulating for years. The oldest transatlantic cruiser in the world, which became known as the GDR dream ship, has arrived at a scrapping yard in Belgium. This marks the end of the long voyage of the former friendship of nations after 77 years.
For several years, the "Astoria" corroded away as a so-called semi-trailer until it was put up for auction. The only bidder was the Galloo Group from Belgium. According to local newspaper reports, the purchase price was 200,000 euros. On top of this, up to 50,000 euros were added for the transport costs from Rotterdam's Waalhaven harbour across the North Sea and the Scheldt estuary to the Belgian shipyard in Ghent, which is around 30 km inland from the new Terneuzen sea lock in the Netherlands.
The end of the line is now here at the Galloo shipbreaking yard. The "Astoria" is being dismantled in accordance with strict European environmental and health and safety standards. More than 12,000 tonnes of material will be recovered, including iron and other metals, as well as non-ferrous metals such as aluminium and copper. Wood, glass and plastics will also be recycled and reused.
The entire process requires a great deal of expertise, not only with regard to the removal of hazardous substances, but also the stability of the shipwreck must never be lost during dismantling, according to the shipyard boss. Demolition will begin after the company holidays in August and 97 per cent of the ship will be recycled.
marineforum reported on the history of the ship and its foreseeable end on 23 October 2023.
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