Introduction
The global maritime industry is entering a transformative phase with the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (commonly known as the Hong Kong Convention) on June 26, 2025. Adopted in 2009 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this landmark treaty aims to ensure that recycled ships do not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, or the environment.
This article explores the key provisions, objectives, and implications of the Hong Kong Convention, offering a comprehensive guide for shipowners, recycling facilities, regulators, and maritime professionals.
Why the Hong Kong Convention Matters
Ship recycling is a critical part of the maritime lifecycle. However, traditional shipbreaking practices—especially in developing countries—have often been associated with:
– Unsafe working conditions
– Environmental pollution
– Exposure to hazardous materials
The Hong Kong Convention addresses these issues by establishing a global regulatory framework that promotes safe, environmentally sound, and transparent ship recycling practices.
Key Objectives of the Convention
The Hong Kong Convention is designed to:
1. Protect human health and safety during ship recycling.
2. Prevent environmental damage from hazardous materials.
3. Standardize global practices for ship recycling.
4. Ensure accountability among all stakeholders, including shipowners, recycling yards, and flag states.
Scope and Applicability
The Convention applies to:
– Ships of 500 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages.
– Ship recycling facilities under the jurisdiction of Parties to the Convention.
It covers the entire lifecycle of a ship—from design and construction to operation and final dismantling.
Main Provisions of the Hong Kong Convention
Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
All ships must maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Materials, which:
– Identifies hazardous substances onboard (e.g., asbestos, PCBs, ozone-depleting substances).
– Must be updated throughout the ship’s operational life.
– Is verified through initial, renewal, and final surveys.
This inventory ensures that recycling yards know the materials they will handle, improving safety and environmental protection.
Design and Construction Requirements
Shipbuilders must:
– Avoid or minimize the use of hazardous materials.
– Comply with restrictions on asbestos, organotin compounds, and cybutryne.
– Ensure that ships are designed for easier dismantling and recycling.
Ship Recycling Plan (SRP)
Before a ship is recycled, the recycling facility must develop a Ship Recycling Plan, which:
– Details how the ship will be dismantled.
– Takes into account the ship’s IHM and specific characteristics.
– Must be approved by the relevant authority.
Ship Recycling Facility Authorization
Recycling yards must:
– Be authorized by their national authority.
– Operate in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
– Provide training, protective equipment, and emergency procedures for workers.
Facilities must also maintain records and undergo periodic inspections to ensure compliance.
Certification and Surveys
Ships and recycling facilities are subject to a robust certification regime:
– Initial Survey: Verifies the IHM.
– Renewal Surveys: Conducted periodically during the ship’s life.
– Final Survey: Conducted before recycling to confirm compliance.
Certificates include:
– International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials
– International Ready for Recycling Certificate
Enforcement and Compliance
Parties to the Convention must:
– Establish national legislation to enforce the Convention.
– Monitor and inspect recycling facilities.
– Report compliance data to the IMO.
Flag states, port states, and recycling states all share responsibility for enforcement.
Global Participation and Ratification
As of 2025, the Convention has been ratified by 24 countries, including:
– Major flag states: Japan, Liberia, Panama, Marshall Islands
– Leading recycling nations: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Türkiye
Together, these countries represent over 57% of the world’s merchant shipping tonnage, meeting the threshold for the Convention’s entry into force.
Support for Developing Countries
To help developing nations comply with the Convention, the IMO launched the SENSREC Project (Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling):
– Funded by the Government of Norway
– Active in Bangladesh and Pakistan
– Provides training, policy support, and infrastructure development
Benefits of the Hong Kong Convention
For the Environment
– Reduces pollution from hazardous waste.
– Promotes sustainable recycling practices.
For Workers
– Improves safety standards and working conditions.
– Requires training and protective equipment.
For Shipowners
– Provides legal clarity and global consistency.
– Enhances corporate social responsibility.
For Recycling Yards
– Encourages modernization and international recognition.
– Opens access to ships from compliant flag states.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its benefits, the Convention faces some challenges:
– Implementation gaps in countries with weak regulatory frameworks.
– Costs of compliance for older ships and small recycling yards.
– Overlap with other regulations, such as the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.
However, the IMO continues to work with stakeholders to address these issues through guidelines, workshops, and technical assistance.
Future Outlook
The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention marks a milestone in maritime sustainability. As more countries ratify and implement its provisions, the industry is expected to:
– Shift toward greener ship design and construction.
– Improve transparency and traceability in ship recycling.
– Foster international cooperation on environmental and labor standards.
Conclusion
The Hong Kong Convention 2025 is a game-changer for the global shipping industry. Setting clear rules for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships protects workers, preserves ecosystems, and promotes responsible maritime practices.
As the Convention takes effect, shipowners, recycling yards, and regulators must work together to ensure its successful implementation, paving the way for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future at sea.
References
[11] International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2025). Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Hong-Kong-Convention.aspx
[12] International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2025). Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/IHM.aspx
