Hong Kong Convention

The new Convention intends to address all the issues around ship recycling, including the fact that ships sold for scrapping may contain environmentally hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozone-depleting substances and others.

This publications presents:
- the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009:
- six resolutions adopted at the International Conference on the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships held under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization in Hong Kong, China from 11 to 15 May, 2009:
- six sets of guidelines for the uniform implementation of the Convention developed and adopted by IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee; and
- background information pertaining to the entry-into-force requirements of the Convention.

The Hong Kong Convention has now met the criteria required to enter into force and the Convention will enter into force on 26 June 2025.

Upon entering into force, all ships being sent for recycling will be required to carry onboard an Inventory of Hazardous Materials. Ship recycling facilities authorized by Competent Authorities will be required to provide a Ship Recycling Plan, specific to each individual vessel to be recycled. Additionally, Governments will be required to ensure that recycling facilities under their jurisdiction comply with the Convention.