Ship recycling

Germany is the latest country to accede to the IMO’s treaty for safe and environmentally-sound ship recycling, the Hong Kong Convention, which covers the design, construction, operation and maintenance of ships, as well as preparation for ship recycling to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships. Vessels to be sent for recycling are required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials. Ship recycling yards are required to provide a “Ship Recycling Plan”, specifying how each ship will be recycled. The 13 contracting states to the Convention represent 29.42 per cent of world merchant shipping tonnage.