- 11-Jul-2025
- public international law
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, adopted in 2009 by the IMO, seeks to ensure that ships are recycled in a manner that protects human health, safety, and the environment. It addresses gaps in global shipbreaking practices by setting international standards.
The convention mandates that ship recycling facilities operate under strict environmental and safety standards to minimize pollution and occupational hazards.
Requires ship owners to prepare and maintain an IHM listing all hazardous materials onboard, ensuring proper handling during dismantling.
Only facilities meeting the convention’s criteria are authorized to recycle ships, ensuring consistent global standards.
Ship owners must provide accurate hazardous material information and ensure safe preparation of ships for recycling.
Requires adequate training, protective equipment, and health monitoring for workers involved in ship recycling.
Parties to the convention must enforce compliance through inspections, reporting, and penalties for violations.
Provides a global framework to reduce environmental damage caused by shipbreaking.
Protects the health and safety of workers in the ship recycling industry.
Facilitates environmentally responsible ship recycling, supporting sustainable maritime trade.
Bridges regulatory gaps left by other international treaties like the Basel Convention.
As of now, the convention requires ratification by countries representing a significant portion of the world’s merchant shipping and ship recycling capacity before entering into force.
Some major ship recycling countries, including India, have yet to fully ratify it, affecting its global effectiveness.
Consider a ship owner planning to recycle an old vessel:
The owner prepares an Inventory of Hazardous Materials detailing asbestos, PCBs, and other risks.
The ship is sent only to an IMO-approved recycling yard compliant with the Hong Kong Convention.
The facility ensures safe dismantling procedures, waste disposal, and worker protection.
Regular monitoring and reporting ensure adherence to environmental and safety norms.
This process minimizes environmental harm and occupational hazards, aligning with international standards.
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