The Hong Kong Convention for the Recycling of Ships comes into force

The Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (known as the HKC) came into force on 26th June. Spain has been a member state since 2021. Signatory states to the Convention represent approximately 46% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant fleet.

The aim of the Convention is to establish guidelines and rules for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships at the end of their useful life, ensuring that this process does not pose unnecessary risks to public health, safety or the environment. The Convention applies to ships of more than 500 gross tonnes (including submersible vehicles and floating platforms), as well as to ship recycling facilities under the jurisdiction of parties to the Convention.

The international text covers aspects such as the design, construction and operation of ships in order to facilitate their safe and environmentally sound recycling without compromising safety or operational efficiency, the operation of recycling facilities and the establishment of an appropriate enforcement mechanism for the recycling of these ships.

Before a ship is taken out of service and its recycling begins, ships covered by the HKC must undergo a final inspection to verify that the inventory of hazardous materials (which every ship must carry) is up to date and to ensure that there is a ship recycling plan in accordance with current regulations at a recycling facility that has a valid authorisation in accordance with the HKC. Once the final inspection has been completed, the ship will receive an International Recycling Readiness Certificate (IRRC) issued by (or on behalf of) the ship’s flag State.

Despite the potential challenges it will face, the HKC represents a significant step towards sustainable recycling, with important potential benefits for the environment, workers and the recycling industry in general. The Convention is expected to promote safer and more ethical ship recycling, functioning as a ‘one-stop shop’ for responsible recycling and allowing the global fleet to operate on a level playing field.

The EU already had specific legislation on this matter: Regulation 1257/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council, of 20th November 2013, on ship recycling. The purpose of this Regulation is to facilitate the rapid ratification and implementation of the Hong Kong Convention within the Union by applying proportionate controls to both ships and recycling facilities, based on the principles and requirements set out in that Convention.