On 26 June 2025, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) entered into force. More than 15 years after its adoption on 9 June 2009 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), this agreement establishes global standards and imposes responsibilities and obligations on all parties involved in the ship recycling process.

For the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Thomas Kazakos of Greece, the entry into force of the Convention is a historic milestone that comes after two decades of work. "At ICS, we have long advocated for safe and sustainable practices for ship recycling. Now that the Hong Kong Convention has entered into force, we can expect even more progress around the world," Kazakos said.

The HKC was adopted at a diplomatic conference in China, with the work of IMO member states, non-governmental organisations, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the parties to the Basel Convention.

The treaty covers the entire life cycle of ships, from design and construction to operation and preparation for recycling. Among the main obligations, it requires ships over 500 GT to maintain a certified and verified up-to-date inventory of hazardous materials (IHM), detailing substances such as asbestos, chemicals harmful to health and the environment, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. In addition, only authorised recycling facilities will be allowed to dismantle ships and must have a Ship Recycling Facility Plan covering occupational safety, environmental controls, emergency response, waste management and records.

The maritime sector has welcomed the entry into force of the HCK with optimism. According to David Loosley, secretary general of BIMCO, ‘the convention has the potential to change the face of ship recycling, support the circular economy and provide secure jobs for those who need them most.’

In the coming years, the HKC will face several challenges. The first is to ensure its effective implementation and strengthen its provisions, with more than 15,000 ships awaiting recycling, according to BIMCO, in the 24 States that have ratified the Convention, including the world´s leading powers in the recycling sector.

In addition, differences between the HKC and the guidelines of the Basel Convention or the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation, which came into force in 2013 and has not yet approved any recycling facilities on the Indian subcontinent for its list, must be resolved.

The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention represents a crucial step, but vigilance and continuous improvement will be essential to transform the ship recycling sector in a safe and sustainable manner.

News and image obtained: "Asociación de Navieros Españoles"

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