Requirements of Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention (HKSRC) 2009 come into effect.
The 2009 IMO Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKSRC or the Convention) will come into effect on 26 June 2025.
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Ships flying the flag of a party to the Convention, and ship recycling facilities in countries that are parties to the Convention, must comply with its requirements. The Convention aims to ensure that ship recycling is conducted in a safe, environmentally sound and responsible manner.
HKSRC applies to new and existing ships of 500 GT and above engaged in international voyages. These include submersibles, floating craft, floating platforms, self-elevating platforms, floating Storage Units (FSUs), floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs); and a vessel stripped of equipment or being towed.
Exceptions are warships, naval auxiliary and ships used for government non-commercial service.
Requirements:
1. Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
New ships must have an approved IHM onboard at delivery and hold valid HKSRC certification. “New ships” means a ship:
• For which the building contract is placed on or after 26 June 2025; or
• In the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 26 December 2025; or
• The delivery of which is on or after 26 December 2027.
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Existing ships (from 26 June 2030) must develop and maintain an IHM throughout their operational life and hold valid IHM HKSRC certification.
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2. Final Survey & Certification:
hips destined for recycling must undergo a Final Survey and obtain an International Ready for Recycling Certificate prior to the commencement of recycling.
3. Ship Recycling Facilities
Ship Recycling Facilities must be authorised and hold a Document of Authorisation for Ship Recycling (DASR).
IBICON can help you navigate compliance with the HKSRC through a wide range of tailored services, including:
• collection and analysis of information on the presence of hazardous materials on the vessel;
• preparation of a visual inspection/sampling inspection plan;
• laboratory analysis of hazardous materials in an accredited laboratory;
• development of a Inventory of Hazardous Materials;
• development of a Procedure for maintaining and updating the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM);
• support for approval in the RINA and RMRS.