The Alpes-Maritimes department is world-renowned for its yachting industry. From the ports of Monaco and Cannes to Antibes and Saint-Laurent-du-Var, the Côte d’Azur coastline boasts one of the highest densities of yachts and pleasure craft in the world. At the heart of this industry, one metal reigns supreme: marine-grade stainless steel, better known by the code AISI 316L. But what happens to these fittings, tanks and structures at the end of their life cycle? At the Sclavo Eco-Relais in Carros, located at 362 – 12ème Rue, we’ve turned marine-grade stainless steel into a highly technical specialty.

The science behind Marine stainless steel: Why is 316L unique?

To understand the value of marine stainless steel at our Carros counter, we need to delve into its metallurgy. Standard” stainless steel (type 304) is an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel. However, faced with the constant aggression of chloride ions present in seawater, 304 develops crevice corrosion.

This is where 316 stainless steel comes in. Its composition includes a crucial element: molybdenum.

  • Precise chemical composition: 316 stainless steel generally contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel and 2-3% molybdenum.
  • The “L” in 316L stands for “Low Carbon”. This low carbon content prevents the precipitation of carbides during welding, ensuring that the part will not rust at the joints. At Carros, we use mass spectrometers (X-ray fluorescence guns) to instantly identify this chemical signature. For a contributor, it’s a guarantee of being paid for the real value of molybdenum and nickel, whose prices are much higher than those of conventional iron.

Nautical deposits: What can be recycled in the ports of the 06?

The Côte d’Azur’s shipyards generate significant tonnages during the refit phases. Here’s what we buy back every day in Carros:

  1. Heavy fittings: Mooring bitte, fairleads, mechanical winches and stainless steel anchors. These massive pieces represent a considerable weight on the scale.
  2. Deck structures: Balconies, handrails, accommodation ladders and life racks. Often tubular, these parts need to be sorted to ensure they are not “weighted” with other materials.
  3. Propulsion systems: high-strength stainless steel propeller shafts, rudders and bearings.
  4. Naval boilermaking: diesel fuel tanks, black water tanks and seawater-cooled exhaust manifolds. The latter are often even more complex alloys (such as Inconel or Duplex), which we also valorize.

The global stainless steel market and its impact on prices in Carros

The buy-back price of stainless steel in Carros is not fixed; it is correlated to the fluctuations of the London Metal Exchange (LME). Two major factors influence your profit:

  • Nickel prices: A major component of stainless steel, nickel is extremely volatile. Geopolitical tensions in production zones (Indonesia, Russia) can push prices up in a matter of hours.
  • Demand from European steel mills: Recycling stainless steel consumes 70% less energy than producing it from ore. Foundries are therefore major consumers of 316L grade scrap to produce new alloys free of impurities.

Preparation guide for yachting professionals

To maximize your profitability when you come to the Sclavo Eco-Relais, follow this protocol:

  1. Magnet test: Marine stainless steel is austenitic, so it’s not magnetic. If your magnet sticks, it’s not 316L (it’s either iron or a lower-value ferritic stainless steel).
  2. Metal separation: Remove bronze, brass or aluminum parts often attached to fittings.
  3. Cleaning deposits: Residues of limescale or marine concretions do not prevent redemption, but clean metal facilitates analysis and weighing.