On Monday, Bangladesh and Liberia joined the International Maritime Organization’s ship recycling agreement called the Hong Kong Agreement. This means that the agreement could now enter into force in 24 months.
As of Monday 26 June 2023, accessions from countries with the necessary recycling capacity and ship tonnage are missing until the IMO Ship Recycling Agreement comes into force. But with recycling capacity in Bangladesh and tonnage in Liberia, the conditions for entry into force have now been met.
Excellent from the Swedish shipping company
The Hong Kong Convention was adopted at a conference in Hong Kong in 2009 and aims to ensure that ships, when recycled, do not pose a risk to human health, safety and the environment. It embraces a ‘cradle to grave’ concept and addresses all environmental and safety aspects associated with ship recycling, including responsible handling and disposal of associated waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
– The Swedish shipping company is pleased that the Agreement for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling has entered into force. Five years ago, we applied to the Swedish government to join the agreement because we considered it important that ship recycling be regulated on an international basis, Fredrik Larsson, responsible for environmental and climate issues at Swedish Shipping, says in a press release.
It will come into force within two years
Accession means that the agreement will enter into force within 24 months, i.e. June 26, 2025.
The Hong Kong Convention imposes responsibilities and obligations on all parties involved – including ship owners, shipyards, ship recycling facilities, flag states, port states and recycling states.
When the agreement goes into effect, ships that will be sent for recycling will have to carry a list of hazardous materials on board. Ship recycling facilities approved by the relevant authorities will have to provide a ship recycling plan specific to each individual ship being recycled. In addition, governments will be required to ensure that recycling facilities under their jurisdiction comply with the agreement.
The facts: Countries that have acceded to the Hong Kong Convention
Bangladesh, Belgium, Congo, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Spain and Turkey.
Sweden has not yet acceded to the agreement.
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