The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and European shipowners celebrated the global enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention this week. Adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in May 2009, the convention aims to mitigate health, safety, and environmental risks associated with ship recycling at the end of their operational lives. ICS and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) have advocated for its implementation to promote safe and sustainable practices worldwide.
ICS Secretary General Thomas Kazakos called this milestone a significant achievement after two decades of effort. With the convention now in force, he emphasized the potential for improved ship recycling practices globally, particularly as the industry moves toward decarbonisation, which may shorten the lifespan of the merchant fleet. He stressed that global regulations are essential for safe and efficient progress.
ECSA Secretary General Sotiris Raptis echoed this sentiment, highlighting the convention as a landmark for the shipping industry. He noted that it demonstrates the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation within the IMO and represents a step forward for sustainability. Raptis called for further enhancements to the convention to ensure safe and environmentally sound ship recycling practices, asserting that a unified global standard is vital for maintaining the competitiveness of European shipping.
