The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships is a treaty that sets global standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. Its main aim is to ensure that ships, when recycled at the end of their service lives, do not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, or the environment.

The Convention will enter into force 24 months after 15 States (representing at least 40% of global merchant shipping by gross tonnage) have signed or ratified it.

Salient Features of the Convention:

• Historical Background: Changed terminology from "scrapping" to "recycling," promoting the idea that every part of a ship should be recycled as practically as possible.
• "Nothing Goes to Waste": Emphasizes minimal waste, with steel reprocessed, generators reused, batteries repurposed, hydrocarbons reclaimed, and light fittings finding second lives ashore.
• Ship Recycling as a “Green” Industry: When done properly, it is considered a green and sustainable industry, though it addresses the need for improved working conditions and environmental practices in recycling yards.
• Introduction of the “Green Passport”: A document containing a comprehensive inventory of hazardous materials used in the ship’s construction, prepared at the shipbuilding stage, updated throughout the ship's life, and delivered to the recycling yard.
• Objectives of the Convention: To ensure that ships, when recycled, do not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, or the environment.
• Key Issues Addressed: Responds to concerns about hazardous substances on board ships (e.g., asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozone-depleting substances) and poor working conditions and environmental standards at many ship recycling facilities.
• Scope of Regulations: Covers the entire life cycle of ships with respect to recycling, including:
  • Design, Construction, Operation, and Preparation of Ships to support safe and environmentally sound recycling.
  • Operation of Ship Recycling Facilities to ensure they function safely and in an environmentally sound manner.
  • Enforcement Mechanism involving certification, inspection, and reporting procedures.
• Recycling Process Requirements:
  • Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): Ships must maintain an IHM, unique to each vessel. An appendix lists materials that are restricted or prohibited.
  • Pre-Recycling Surveys: Ships undergo an initial survey, periodic surveys, and a final survey prior to recycling.
  • Ship Recycling Plan: Recycling facilities must prepare a plan detailing how the ship will be dismantled, considering its specifications and hazardous materials inventory. State parties ensure compliance of facilities under their jurisdiction.
  Part (b)

  How inventory of Hazardous materials (IHM) Part I under Hong Kong conventions is made for ships in operation? What is the Scope of IHM Part I?

  The guidelines introduced the “Green Passport”, which is now referred to as the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). For ships in operation, the IHM is made and maintained as follows:

  • Prepared at the shipbuilding stage and handed to the first owner.
  • Updated throughout the ship's life by successive owners.
  • Delivered to the recycling yard along with the vessel at end-of-life.

  Ships must maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), unique to each vessel. This involves:

  • An initial survey to verify the IHM.
  • Periodic surveys during operational life to ensure it is kept up-to-date.
  • A final survey prior to recycling.

  Scope of IHM Part I:

  An appendix to the Convention lists materials that are restricted or prohibited in shipyards and onboard ships. This list defines the scope of hazardous materials that must be identified and inventoried in the IHM Part I, which typically covers hazardous materials contained in the ship's structure and equipment.