Considering the critical situation of ship recycling facilities and the need for an effective and globally applicable instrument for ship recycling, the IMO decided to develop a legally binding instrument on ship recycling. “The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships” (HKC) was adopted in 2009. The HKC enters into force 24 months after the ratification conditions are met, which will be 26 June 2025.
The long time needed for ratification of the HKC has caused the EU to take action, resulting in the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), which entered into force on 30 December 2013 and has been fully applicable since 31 December 2020.
Presently, two regulations are governing the requirements for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling:
- Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 SR/CONF/45 (HKC), which will enter into force in June 2025.
- The EU Regulation on Ship Recycling (EU) No. 1257/2013 (EU SRR), which is in force since 31 December 2020.
Both HKC and EU aim to ensure that ships, when being recycled, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health, safety and environment.
Key requirements
The key requirements of this regulation can be summarized in two main points:
- Each ship of 500 GT and above shall have a certified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
- Ship Recycling Facilities (SRF) shall be authorized by their competent authorities and shall only accept ships that comply with the HKC requirements
Impact on newbuilds and ships in service
- All ships of or above 500 GT shall have a certified IHM on board.
- Ships in service shall comply with this requirement by 26 June 2030, or before going to recycling if this is earlier.
- The maintenance of the IHM in case of any changes in the ship’s structure or equipment will become more important with the entry into force of the HKC, as Port State Control is expected to focus on IHM inspections globally.
What steps should ship owners take to prepare for the compliance with IHM
- It is recommended for ships in service to start the preparation of the inventory, certification and maintenance.
- PMDS is offering an Online Training Course which contain:
- Introduction to the Ship Recycling Convention (HK Convention)
- Application of the convention
- Implementation of the Inventory of Hazardous materials (IHM)
- Survey and Certification requirements
For additional information contact us : corporate@panamamaritime.com