Insights

The Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling

The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, adopted in 2009 and entered into force in 2025, addresses the risks ships pose to workers and the environment at the end of their lives, and the hazardous materials they contain throughout them.

5 min read

The Inventory of Hazardous Materials

Central to the Convention is the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), a document, maintained across the ship's life, that identifies hazardous materials in the structure and equipment. It is verified by survey and underpins safe handling at recycling.

Recycling done right

When a ship is recycled, it is to be handled at an authorized facility working to an approved Ship Recycling Plan, so that hazardous materials are managed safely and workers and the environment are protected. The framework brings transparency and accountability to a stage of the ship's life that was long opaque.

What it means now

With the Convention in force, maintaining an accurate IHM is part of ordinary compliance, not just an end-of-life concern. Owners benefit from keeping the inventory current and verifiable throughout the vessel's operating life.

Put This Into Practice

Talk to a senior reviewer about your fleet, your next inspection or your newbuilding program.