Hong Kong Convention (HKC)

30.06.2025

Hong Kong Convention (HKC)

Context

         On June 26, 2025, the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) came into effect to ensure safe and eco-friendly recycling of ships worldwide.

About the News

1. HKC is a global treaty adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
2. It aims to make ship recycling safer for workers and the environment.
3. The convention was adopted in 2009, but came into force in 2025.
4. It applies to all ships over 500 GT and authorized recycling yards.

Key Characteristics / Provisions

1. Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM):
    Ships must maintain a record of harmful materials onboard, like asbestos and heavy metals.
2. Ship Recycling Plan (SRP):
    A yard-specific plan must be approved before dismantling begins.
3. Authorized Recycling Yards:
    Only certified yards following environmental and safety rules are allowed to recycle ships.
4. Recycling Completion Certificate:
    Issued within 14 days of recycling completion by authorized facilities.
5. Audit and Certification:
    Recognized classification societies conduct regular audits and inspections.
6. Waste Management Protocols:
    Emphasis on safe handling, storage, and disposal of all hazardous wastes.
    

Challenges

1. Compliance Cost for Developing Nations:
    Upgrading shipyards is expensive for countries like India and Bangladesh.
    E.g. Many Alang yards need major investments.
2. Informal Sector Dominance:
    Large parts of shipbreaking are unregulated, leading to unsafe practices.
    E.g. Workers face exposure to toxic materials.
3. Limited Monitoring Capacity:
    Some nations lack trained auditors or proper tracking tools.
    E.g. No real-time data on waste handling.
4. Resistance from Older Fleets:
    Older ships may lack IHM records, making retroactive compliance difficult.
    E.g. Ships built before 2000 may need major retrofitting.
    

Way Forward

1. Upgrade Infrastructure in Recycling Hubs:
    Invest in modern, eco-friendly recycling facilities.
    E.g. Government-backed modernization in Gujarat’s Alang yard.
2. Training for Workers:
    Launch health and safety programs for recycling laborers.
    E.g. IMO–ILO collaborative safety workshops.
3. Digital Compliance Systems:
    Use IoT and tracking software for real-time waste monitoring.
    E.g. Barcode systems for hazardous waste bins.
4. International Funding and Technical Support:
    Provide grants and tech transfer to low-income countries.
    E.g. IMO’s technical cooperation programmes with South Asia.
    

Conclusion

The enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention marks a milestone in global maritime sustainability, aligning ship recycling with environmental safety and labor rights, especially in developing economies.