Major Milestone: Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention to Take Full Effect

Hong Kong Convention, adopted in 2009 at a diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, China, is making significant progress towards its goal of ensuring safe and environmentally sound ship recycling practices. This international agreement focuses on eliminating unnecessary risks to human health, safety, and the environment when ships reach the end of their operational lives.

The Convention embraces the "cradle to grave" concept, covering all aspects of ship recycling, including the responsible management and disposal of associated waste streams. It sets forth responsibilities and obligations for shipowners, shipbuilding yards, recycling facilities, flag States, port States, and recycling States.

Bangladesh has recently become one of the contracting states after a series of sustained efforts and high-level meetings in Chattogram. Likewise, Liberia has also deposited its instrument, signalling its commitment to the Convention on June 26, 2023.

The Hong Kong Convention has gained significant momentum, with five signatories and the resounding approval of twenty-two states, achieving the minimum conditions for entry into force. The combined merchant fleets of these signatory states represent approximately 45.81% of the world's gross tonnage and the annual ship recycling volume of the Contracting States during the preceding 10 years amounts to 23,848,453 gross tonnage, equivalent to 3.31% of the required recycling volume.

Henceforth, the Hong Kong Convention is set to officially enter into force on June 26, 2025. This milestone brings us one step closer to a safer and more sustainable future for the global shipping industry.

Let us commemorate this achievement and continue working together to promote responsible ship recycling practices worldwide!

- Shailesh Singh, ​Assistant General Manager (IHM) Back to all Verifavia Shipping News