LONDON, 29th NOVEMBER – The Indian government has ratified the HKC, significantly increasing the likelihood of its entry into force. Adopted in May 2009, the Convention will ensure that ships are recycled in a safe, environmentally friendly and transparent manner, providing global oversight to an economically and environmentally essential industry.
India is a major ship recycling nation, and in 2018, India received more than 250 vessels of almost five million gross tonnes – amounting to between 25-35% of the world’s recycling tonnage. The decision therefore by the Government of India to begin steps towards ratifying the HKC is a significant one.
Speaking on the decision to embrace the HKC, Guy Platten, Secretary General said: “ICS welcomes the accession of India to the Hong Kong Convention. This is a major step towards guaranteeing the safe and environmentally sound management of ship recycling throughout the ships entire lifecycle.”
He continued: “There has been a general trend towards compliance with the requirements of the Convention by both the shipping and recycling industries, and real strides have been made in improving working conditions by recyclers. India’s action is a further sign of this global determination to bring ship recycling practices under a single legal framework, and we are hopeful that it will spur other major recycling States, particularly China and Bangladesh to ratify and make the Convention a reality as soon as possible.”
About the ICS
ICS is the principal global trade association for shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet.
Its membership comprises the worlds’ national shipowners’ associations from Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. Through this unique structure, ICS legitimately speaks for the substantial majority of international shipping. ICS membership also includes the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA).
The issues covered by the ICS include:
- All regulatory, legal, trade policy and technical issues (such as ship operations, ship construction and navigational safety);
- Environmental performance (including greenhouse gas reduction);
- The employment and training of seafarers; and;
- The development and promotion of best practice throughout the global industry.