According to Pouria Kolivand, a permanent representative of Iran’s port and maritime organizations to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the implementation of the convention marks a new era of vessel recycling practices.
The Hong Kong Conference, adopted in 2009, establishes comprehensive global regulations on safe and environmentally responsible ship dismantling. The IMO has spent more than 20 years preparing a regulatory framework in its first guidelines dated back to 2003.
Essential hazardous materials stock
Kolivand noted that under the treaty, all ships reaching the end of their operational life must carry an inventory of dangerous goods (IHMs) subject to inspection and approval. This inventory is a prerequisite for starting the recycling process.
Additionally, certified recycling facilities must prepare vessel-specific recycling plans for each vessel. This plan should detail all recycling procedures and outline how dangerous materials can be safely managed.
Responsibility for the entire maritime sector
The treaty assigns clear responsibility to shipowners, shipbuilders, flag states, port states and recycling state governments to ensure that ship demolition is carried out in a safe, sanitary and environmentally compliant manner.
To support implementation, IMO adopts several important technical guidelines, including:
• Guidelines for the development of ship recycling plans for 2011
• 2012 Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally Healthy Ship Recycling
• Guidelines for approval of ship recycling facilities in 2012
• 2012 Guidelines for Vessel Survey and Certification
• Guidelines for the development of dangerous goods inventory in 2023
• Interim guidance on harmonious implementation of the 2024 Hong Kong and Basel Convention
Important states participate in treaties
The execution date was officially set in June 2023, following the enrollment of Bangladesh and Liberia and implementation of all Entry Into Force standards.
Currently, around 90% of the world’s recycling of ships occurs in five countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and Türkiye. Of these, Bangladesh, India and Türkiye are the parties of the Congress.
The IMO-Norway joint project Sensrec, launched in Bangladesh in 2015, has significantly improved the country’s environmental standards, occupational safety, labor training, and legal and technical infrastructure, and promoted its subscription.
Turning Points for Sustainable Maritime Industry
Kolivand emphasized that the implementation of the treaty is a major step towards sustainable maritime development, by increasing environmental safety, improving working conditions, reducing energy waste and preventing global pollution.
He called on transport companies, port industry managers, regulators and ship recycling operators to begin operations on treaty requirements well before the date of enforcement.
MNA/