Posted: February 21st, 2024
The Recycling of Old Marine Vessels
# The Recycling of Old Marine Vessels
## Introduction
Ship recycling is a long-established practice for dealing with ships at the end of their operational life. It is widely regarded as the best, most practicable option. When conducted properly, ship recycling embraces the “cradle to grave” concept, resulting in almost all materials and equipment used in the manufacture of a ship being re-used in other forms. This outcome is both environmentally sound and energy-efficient. For instance, using recycled steel requires just one-third of the energy used in manufacturing steel from raw materials.
However, working practices and environmental standards in ship recycling facilities vary from yard to yard. Global regulation ensures safe working practices for those employed in ship recycling yards, along with consistent environmental standards. The **Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (the Hong Kong Convention)** aims to ensure that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, and the environment. The Hong Kong Convention was adopted at a diplomatic conference held in Hong Kong, China, from 11 to 15 May 2009 and will enter into force on 26 June 2025.
## The Hong Kong Convention
The Hong Kong Convention covers several regulations:
1. **Design, construction, operation, and preparation of ships**: These regulations facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships.
2. **Operation of ship recycling facilities**: Ensures safe and environmentally sound practices.
3. **Enforcement mechanism**: Incorporates certification and reporting requirements.
Since the adoption of the Hong Kong Convention, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has developed guidelines to assist States in implementing and enforcing its technical standards:
– **2011 Guidelines for the Development of the Ship Recycling Plan**
– **2012 Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling**
– **2012 Guidelines for the Authorization of Ship Recycling Facilities**
– **2012 Guidelines for the survey and certification of ships under the Hong Kong Convention**
– **2012 Guidelines for the inspection of ships under the Hong Kong Convention**
## Ship Recycling Plan
A Ship Recycling Plan (SRP) is a living document detailing specific recycling process information related to a specific marine vessel. According to the 2011 Guidelines for the Development of the Ship Recycling Plan under the Hong Kong Convention and EU Ship Recycling Regulations, ships destined for recycling require an SRP.
Benefits of ship recycling include:
1. **Reducing mining**: Recycling reduces the need for environmentally damaging mining practices.
2. **Infinite recyclability**: Some materials can be recycled infinitely.
3. **Sustainable development**: Contributes to sustainable development while minimizing environmental impact on oceans and seas.
4. **Worker safety**: Deters “beaching” practices and protects workers from dismantling without proper personal protective