Hong Kong Convention & IHM Certification: What Ship Owners Need to Know Before 2025
By Mahebub Kureshi | July 22, 2025 | Bhavnagar (India)
A big change is coming for the global shipping industry. Starting 26 June 2025, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships—commonly called the Hong Kong Convention (HKC)—will officially come into force. This global treaty, adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), aims to ensure that ships are recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
One of the most important parts of the convention is the requirement for ships to carry a special document known as the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM). This article explains what the HKC means for ship owners and managers, how to get the ICIHM, and what steps need to be taken to comply with this new regulation.
What is the Hong Kong Convention (HKC)?
The Hong Kong Convention was adopted in 2009 but will come into force globally on 26 June 2025, after reaching the required level of ratification by member states.
It applies to:
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Ships of 500 gross tonnage (GT) and above, that operate internationally.
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Ship recycling facilities in ratifying countries.
The HKC aims to:
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Protect human health and the environment during ship recycling.
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Make sure that ships do not contain hazardous materials (like asbestos, PCB, mercury, etc.) when they are sent for dismantling.
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Ensure safe handling and disposal of any such hazardous substances.
One of the main requirements is the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)—a detailed list of dangerous materials on board. Over the ship’s lifetime, the IHM must be kept updated, and before a ship is recycled, it must be verified.
What is the ICIHM and Why Is It Important?
The International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) is the official document proving that a ship meets the HKC standards and has a verified IHM on board.
By 26 June 2030, all ships covered by the HKC must have this certificate. Without it, ships may be denied entry to ports, faced with penalties, or be banned from recycling at certified facilities.
Steps to Obtain the ICIHM
Whether or not your vessel already has an IHM depends on your ship’s current status. The process to obtain the ICIHM (or Statement of Compliance—SoC) varies, and the classification society DNV has outlined clear steps via its Veracity platform. Based on a ship’s specific status, DNV provides Retroactive Requirements (RRs) to guide ship owners.
Here’s a breakdown based on different scenarios:
1. Ships in DNV Class Without Any IHM Certificate
If your ship is classed with DNV but does not currently have any IHM certificate (neither for the European Union’s Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) nor the HKC):
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You’ll receive a notice called RR1051e.
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This will set a deadline that matches your next main class renewal survey.
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Steps to follow:
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Prepare IHM Part I (a list of hazardous materials onboard).
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Submit it to DNV for approval.
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Schedule and complete an initial IHM survey.
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If your ship already has an ICIHM or SoC from another Recognised Organisation (RO) or flag administration, you can submit that document to DNV. They may then remove the RR without requiring a new survey.
2. Ships With an IHM Certificate for EU SRR But No HKC Certificate
For ships (of any class) that already have an IHM certificate for EU SRR from DNV, but do not have a certificate under the HKC:
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You will receive RR1051f.
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You don’t need to re-approve your existing IHM.
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However, you must get an ICIHM (or SoC) alongside your EU SRR certificate.
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This must be done at the next IHM renewal survey under the EU SRR, which should take place between 26 June 2025 and 25 June 2030.
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Ideally, this should be synchronised with your main class renewal survey to save time and cost.
3. Ships Already Holding an HKC IHM Certificate or SoC
If your ship (of any class) already has an IHM certificate or SoC for HKC from DNV:
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You’ll receive RR1051g.
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You simply need to request an ICIHM at your next IHM renewal survey between 26 June 2025 and 25 June 2030.
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Again, it’s recommended to align this with your class renewal survey.
Importance of Veracity and My Services Portal
All of the steps and updates related to your ship’s IHM status and Retroactive Requirements (RRs) are available through the My Services portal on Veracity (DNV’s digital platform). Here, ship owners and managers can:
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View vessel status.
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Track due dates.
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Upload IHM documentation.
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Request certificates or surveys.
Access the Veracity portal here: https://lnkd.in/dDTM6nr8
Tips for Ship Owners and Managers
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Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Preparing the IHM and completing surveys takes time.
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Keep your IHM updated: The IHM must be maintained throughout the ship’s life, especially when new materials are added or removed.
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Work with experienced experts: Preparing a correct IHM Part I requires coordination with certified hazmat experts and laboratories.
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Plan your surveys: Try to align IHM surveys with your class renewal or dry docking to avoid extra downtime.
The Hong Kong Convention marks a major step forward in making ship recycling safer and greener worldwide. But it also brings new responsibilities for shipowners, operators, and managers. The key document, the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM), will be your ship’s passport for safe and compliant operation under the HKC framework.
With the right preparation, guidance, and planning, complying with the HKC doesn’t have to be difficult. DNV’s support tools and Veracity platform can make the process clearer and easier.
Author: shipping inbox
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