Major ship-recycling nations in Asia are intensifying efforts to enhance compliance and safety in ship recycling, aligning with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).
A regional workshop, held in Manila, Philippines recently, brought together government officials to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to ratify, implement, and enforce the HKC and its associated guidelines.
The HKC, set to enter into force on June 26, 2025, establishes a global framework to ensure ships at the end of their operational lives are dismantled safely, minimizing risks to human health and the environment. It outlines specific responsibilities for shipowners, shipbuilding yards, recycling facilities, and regulatory authorities across flag, port, and recycling States.
The workshop convened 32 participants from Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, providing in-depth training on key stakeholder responsibilities, accession requirements, compliance challenges, and effective implementation strategies. Case studies and interactive discussions enabled participants to exchange experiences and best practices from their respective countries.
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India—accounting for over 85% of global ship recycling capacity—have already acceded to the HKC, while China and the Philippines are actively working toward accession. To further enhance practical understanding, participants visited two ship recycling yards in Manila, where they conducted on-site assessments and provided recommendations for operational improvements.
Organized under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and hosted by the Philippines through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the workshop reflects ongoing efforts to support the world’s leading ship-recycling nations in achieving safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible practices.
