The global shipping industry is set to enter a transformative phase with the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which comes into effect on 26 June 2025. Adopted in 2009 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Convention introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring that ship recycling is conducted in a safe, hygienic, and environmentally compliant manner.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

The journey to this milestone began over two decades ago, with the IMO initiating work on ship recycling regulations in 2003. The enforcement date was officially confirmed in June 2023, following the accession of Bangladesh and Liberia, which fulfilled the final entry-into-force criteria. With the Convention now set to become legally binding, a new international standard will shape the way the world dismantles end-of-life ships.

Shared Responsibilities Across the Maritime Sector

The Hong Kong Convention assigns clear roles and responsibilities to all key stakeholders involved in ship recycling. These include:

1. Shipowners

2. Shipbuilders

3. Flag States

4. Port States

5. Recycling-State Governments

Each party must now ensure that dismantling processes meet stringent safety and environmental criteria. The goal is to eliminate accidents, reduce exposure to hazardous materials, and prevent environmental degradation during recycling operations.

Ship-Specific Recycling Plans and Facility Compliance

Authorized recycling facilities will be required to prepare a Ship-Specific Recycling Plan (SSRP) for every vessel they handle. This plan will outline:

1. Recycling procedures for the ship

2. Safe management of hazardous materials

3. Environmental protection strategies during dismantling

Facilities will only be permitted to operate if they comply with these standards and follow approved methodologies.

Key IMO Guidelines Supporting the Convention

To facilitate the smooth implementation of the Convention, the IMO has adopted several detailed technical guidelines:

1. 2011: Guidelines for the Development of the Ship Recycling Plan

2. 2012: Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling

3. 2012: Guidelines for the Authorisation of Ship Recycling Facilities

4. 2012: Guidelines for the Survey and Certification of Ships

5. 2023: Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials

6. 2024: Interim Guidance on Harmonised Implementation of the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions

These documents serve as essential tools to ensure standardised global practices.

The Global Landscape of Ship Recycling

Currently, 90% of global ship recycling takes place in five countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Among them, Bangladesh, India, and Turkey have formally acceded to the Convention and are actively working to align their practices with the new international standards.

Bangladesh’s Progressive Shift: The SENSREC Initiative

Bangladesh's journey toward compliance has been significantly supported by the IMO-Norway joint project SENSREC, launched in 2015. This initiative has:

1. Raised environmental and safety standards

2. Enhanced workforce training

3. Strengthened the country’s legal and technical infrastructure

Thanks to these efforts, Bangladesh is now positioned as a committed partner in the global move toward sustainable ship recycling.

Conclusion

The coming into force of the Hong Kong Convention in 2025 marks a pivotal shift in global maritime regulation. By standardizing safe, environmentally sound recycling practices, the IMO is ensuring that ship dismantling becomes a process that respects both human health and the planet. With clear guidelines and the cooperation of major ship-recycling nations, the future of the industry looks far more sustainable.