Bahamas Shipowners Association Hails Entry into Force of the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling
26 July 2025 | Nassau
Ship recycling has long been recognized as the most effective and sustainable method for managing vessels that reach the end of their operational life. Now, with the entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (HKC) on 26 June 2025, the global maritime industry enters a new era of safer, greener, and more responsible vessel dismantling.
The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) has welcomed the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention, calling it a “historic milestone” in the journey toward universal standards in ship recycling. The association emphasized that the convention’s entry into force will help ensure that dismantling activities no longer pose undue risks to human health, safety, or the environment.
“For more than 20 years, the maritime industry, in partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has worked toward introducing consistent global rules for ship recycling. Today, those efforts have come to fruition,” the BSA stated in a press release.
A Sustainable End-of-Life Strategy
Ship recycling, when carried out responsibly, allows nearly all the components of a vessel — including steel, non-ferrous metals, machinery, and electronics — to be reused or repurposed. This process significantly reduces the demand for virgin raw materials and minimizes waste, making it a critical contributor to the circular economy.
Modern ship recycling yards, particularly those certified as compliant with the Hong Kong Convention, follow strict procedures for managing hazardous materials, worker safety, and environmental protection. By enforcing standards for the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) on ships and requiring approved Ship Recycling Facility Plans (SRFPs), the convention brings structure and transparency to a once-fragmented industry.
Industry-Wide Impact
The Hong Kong Convention covers all internationally operating vessels of 500 gross tonnage and above and applies to flag states, ship owners, shipbuilding yards, and recycling facilities. It requires that all new ships be constructed with materials that allow for safe dismantling, and that existing ships carry an up-to-date International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM).
The BSA noted that the convention aligns with broader environmental goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption, climate action, and the protection of life below water.
“As shipowners, we have a responsibility to ensure that vessels are not just operated safely, but also retired responsibly. The Hong Kong Convention gives us a clear and enforceable framework to do just that,” said a BSA spokesperson.
Collaboration and Compliance
Flag states and shipowners are now preparing for enhanced compliance measures. Many large shipping companies have already begun updating their vessel documentation and conducting IHM assessments. Simultaneously, recycling yards in countries like India, Turkey, and Bangladesh — which handle the bulk of the world’s ship recycling — are aligning their operations with the convention’s standards to gain or maintain approval.
The IMO will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the convention and offer support through guidance documents, training, and technical cooperation.
For further guidelines, FAQs, and resources on the Hong Kong Convention and ship recycling standards, the IMO encourages maritime stakeholders to visit its official website: https://bit.ly/40yjEZ6
Looking Ahead
As the maritime industry continues to grapple with environmental and regulatory challenges, the enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention signals a shift toward greater accountability and sustainability. The Bahamas Shipowners Association reiterated its commitment to supporting safe and environmentally sound ship recycling practices and encouraged its members to engage proactively with the new framework.
With global shipping facing mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, the effective implementation of the HKC is not just timely — it is essential.
Author: shipping inbox
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