After 14 years since adoption by the International Maritime Organization, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) has successfully been ratified and will enter into force in June 2025.
Bangladesh, one of the principal ship recyclers in the world, and the Liberian Registry, the world’s second largest registry, ratified the convention this month, paving the way for ratification within two years.
The convention aims to ensure that ships when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health and safety or the environment.
John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade at the International Chamber of Shipping, commented: “This marks a sea change for this global industry and confirms that in the near future shipowners will be confident that their vessels will find a safe and environmentally sound destination for recycling. The importance of the convention entering into force, and what it means for ship recycling worldwide cannot be underestimated.”
“This commitment from Bangladesh and Liberia is more than just a step in the right direction, it is a leap that will benefit the environment and workers in the ship recycling industry. The Hong Kong Convention entering into force means that a fully sustainable ship recycling industry is possible and within reach,” said BIMCO secretary-general and CEO, David Loosley.
