Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling Officially Enters Force, Setting New Global Standards

As of June 26, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) has officially come into effect. This momentous occasion signals a long-anticipated shift in the global approach to dismantling and recycling end-of-life vessels. The convention, meticulously developed over two decades, establishes international benchmarks for shipowners, flag states, and recycling facilities, aiming to foster much-needed accountability in an industry historically marred by safety and environmental concerns. While full compliance is not mandatory until 2030, its enforcement represents a significant step forward.

Leading maritime organizations, including shipping association BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and ECSA European Shipowners, have universally applauded the HKC's commencement.

David Loosley, Secretary General and CEO of BIMCO, expressed optimism: "We believe the convention has the potential to transform ship recycling, bolster the circular economy, and create secure employment opportunities for those who need them."

Both ICS and ECSA have been instrumental in advocating for the HKC's ratification since its initial adoption more than two decades ago.

"Today marks a welcome and historic milestone after two decades of dedicated effort on this critical issue," commented Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the ICS. "At ICS, we have consistently championed safe and sustainable ship recycling practices. With the Hong Kong Convention now in force, we anticipate even greater progress in enhancing ship recycling worldwide."

Understanding the HKC: Its Genesis and Framework

The Hong Kong Convention was initially adopted in May 2009 during a diplomatic conference held in China. Its development involved extensive input from IMO Member States and non-governmental organizations, alongside collaborative efforts with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

The HKC provides a comprehensive, "cradle-to-grave" framework for a ship's lifecycle, encompassing design, construction, operation, and preparation for safe and environmentally sound recycling. A key tenet is the mandate for vessels exceeding 500 gross tonnage (GT) to maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). This documented list specifies the types, quantities, and locations of hazardous substances onboard, such as asbestos, PCBs, ozone-depleting chemicals, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and anti-fouling agents. The IHM must be verified, regularly updated as toxic materials are added or removed, and certified via an International Certificate on IHM.

Furthermore, the treaty imposes stringent regulations on recycling infrastructure: only authorized facilities are permitted to dismantle ships. These facilities are required to develop a Ship Recycling Facility Plan (SRFP), outlining provisions for worker safety, environmental controls, emergency response, waste handling, and meticulous record-keeping.

Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of ECSA European Shipowners, acknowledged the progress: "The global requirements entering into force today already represent significant advancement for the sustainability of our industry. We must now build upon this foundation and further strengthen the Hong Kong Convention to elevate standards and continue making meaningful strides towards safe and sustainable ship recycling practices."

The Journey to Enforcement: A Snail's Pace Towards Ratification

Despite its vital importance, the HKC's ratification process progressed slowly. Regions like the European Union (EU) took proactive measures, implementing the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) by 2013 to minimize the negative impacts of ship recycling on human health and the environment. Concurrently, the IMO developed detailed technical guidelines by 2012, with further refinements to the IHM protocols in 2023.

For the HKC to enter into force, it required ratification by at least 15 States, representing 40% of the world's merchant tonnage. Despite early momentum, these critical thresholds were only met in June 2023, when Bangladesh and Liberia deposited their instruments, initiating a 24-month countdown to its full implementation.

Navigating Troubled Waters: Is the Industry Truly Prepared?

Currently, twenty-four countries have ratified the HKC. Notably, four of the largest ship-recycling nations—Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Türkiye—are among them, having authorized numerous recycling yards under this framework. In India, for instance, over 100 ship recycling facilities are reportedly holding a Document of Authorization (DASR).

However, while the Hong Kong Convention strives to establish essential safeguards for the maritime industry's journey towards a more sustainable future, some critics emphasize that it falls short of comprehensively addressing, and ultimately prohibiting, some of the most hazardous recycling and dismantling practices prevalent in South Asia: beaching.

Beaching, defined as the deliberate grounding of ships on tidal flats for dismantling, has been a contentious issue in the shipbreaking and ship recycling sectors, attracting considerable scrutiny and criticism, particularly in India and Bangladesh. These nations are home to notorious beaching yards, such as Alang, where a series of tragic accidents have tragically claimed numerous workers' lives.

Despite claims of HKC compliance, the reality at some of these yards often differs. As the Belgium-based NGO Shipbreaking Platform organization has highlighted, many sites lack nearby hospitals for emergency care, possess insufficient capacity for hazardous material disposal, and have no established record of monitoring worker health.

Compounding these challenges are shipping entities that circumvent international ship recycling regulations to profit from vessel dismantling. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has uncovered that these companies frequently re-flag their vessels to sail under the flags of St Kitts and Nevis, Comoros, Tuvalu, and Mongolia, which are currently the most common choices for stakeholders sending their vessels for scrap in South Asia. These so-called flags of convenience represent a significant vulnerability in the HKC's enforcement chain, as they can enable the evasion of stricter oversight, thereby undermining the treaty's fundamental principles.

Statistical data supports this concern. A study by the Belgian organization revealed that in 2024 alone, as much as 80% of the world's aging fleet was scrapped under these conditions, with many units having been previously re-flagged. In light of the Hong Kong Convention's entry into force, and particularly given BIMCO's estimate of over 15,000 vessels requiring recycling, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform has reiterated the urgent need to address these issues.

"The HKC does not provide a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable ship recycling; instead, it risks serving the interests of shipping companies seeking to avoid the true costs of safe and environmentally sound end-of-life management," remarked Ingvild Jenssen, Executive Director & Founder of the NGO Shipbreaking Platform. "Tragically, it also risks undermining efforts to create a level playing field for responsible ship recyclers to compete. The shipping industry cannot accept a Convention designed to accommodate the industry’s worst practices. Beaching should be phased out, not endorsed."

The Role of Cable Technology in Sustainable Ship Recycling

As the maritime industry progresses towards safer and more sustainable practices, the materials used in ship construction and outfitting become increasingly important, especially during the recycling phase. Traditional cables often contain hazardous substances such as halogens, which release toxic and corrosive gases when burned. This poses significant risks to human health and the environment during dismantling, particularly in uncontrolled environments.

This is where Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables play a crucial role in promoting safer ship recycling. Unlike conventional PVC cables, LSZH cables are engineered with materials that, in the event of a fire, produce minimal smoke and do not emit toxic halogenated gases. This characteristic is vital during ship dismantling, where cutting and heating processes can inadvertently ignite residual materials.

Professional application of LSZH cables in shipbuilding and outfitting offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Safety for Workers: By significantly reducing the release of harmful fumes and dense smoke during accidental fires, LSZH cables contribute to a safer working environment for recycling personnel, mitigating risks of respiratory issues and visibility impairment.

• Environmental Protection: The absence of halogens means these cables do not release corrosive acids or dioxins, which can leach into the soil and water, causing long-term environmental damage. This aligns perfectly with the HKC's objective of environmentally sound recycling.

• Compliance with Evolving Regulations: As environmental and safety standards tighten globally, specifying LSZH cables in new vessel construction ensures future compliance with regulations, potentially simplifying the end-of-life recycling process.

• Reduced Damage to Equipment: The non-corrosive nature of smoke from LSZH cables also minimizes damage to sensitive electronic equipment and structures in the event of a fire, leading to lower cleanup costs and potentially more salvageable materials.

Incorporating LSZH cables into ship design, in line with the HKC's mandate for an Inventory of Hazardous Materials, provides a proactive solution to managing risks at the end of a vessel's life. It ensures that the materials present are not only documented but also inherently less harmful when handled during the recycling process. This forward-thinking approach, from design to dismantle, is essential for truly sustainable maritime practices.

Feichun Cable: Powering a Safer Future

At Feichun Cable, we are committed to supporting a safer and more sustainable future for industries worldwide, including the maritime sector. We specialize in the development and manufacturing of high-quality Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables that meet rigorous international standards for safety and environmental performance. Our LSZH cables are designed to deliver exceptional reliability while minimizing the risks associated with hazardous materials and toxic emissions, making them an ideal choice for modern shipbuilding and industrial applications where safety is paramount. Choose Feichun Cable for solutions that prioritize human well-being and environmental stewardship.

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