
The Industry Working Group on Ship Recycling (which comprises ICS, BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, IPTA, OCIMF, IACS and ITF) has published new "Guidelines on Transitional Measures for Shipowners Selling Ships for Recycling".
The guidelines are intended to help improve safety and environmental conditions in recycling yards in advance of the entry into force of the new IMO Convention on Ship Recycling, which was adopted in Hong Kong in May.
The shipping industry guidelines reflect the new "cradle to grave" responsibilities of shipowners and ship recyclers, from the time of a ship's construction to its final demolition, and explain the various actions that will be required, and which should be approved by flag states and authorities in ship recycling nations.
In particular, the guidelines encourage the preparation and maintenance of inventories of hazardous materials, in order to reduce risks to the safety and health of workers in ship recycling yards.
They also recommend, in advance of the convention coming into force, that shipowners endeavour to sell their redundant ships only to recycling facilities that meet the new IMO standards.
In the process of recycling ships that have reached the end of their working lives almost nothing goes to waste. While the principles of ship recycling may be sound, the working practices and environmental standards in some recycling yards can sometimes fall short of internationally acceptable standards.
The shipping industry therefore believes that adherence by shipowners to its "Transitional Measures" should be regarded as a sign of good faith.
The "Guidelines on Transitional Measures for Shipowners Selling Ships for Recycling" are being distributed – free of charge – throughout the global shipping industry, and copies can be downloaded at www.marisec.org/recycling