At the meeting, Rakesh Bhargava, Director Sea Sentinels, presented ‘Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and its Maintenance’.
The EU has implemented the Ship Recycling Regulation, which requires a certified IHM for all vessels calling at European ports from December, 2020 onwards. Furthermore, it has it has been compulsory for European flag vessels to be recycled to have an IHM since 2016.
In addition, IMO’s Hong Kong Convention stipulates requirements for both ships and ship recycling facilities, which calls for ships of 500 gt and above to have a certified IHM on board. This convention will enter into force after receiving 15 ratifications, representing 40% of the world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, and on average 3% of recycling tonnage for the previous 10 years. Currently 10 flag administrations have signed.
During the meeting, Bhargava highlighted the fact that the regulations have been designed to improve existing shipbreaking practices and the health and safety of ship maintenance personnel.
Shipowners are obliged to choose an appropriate recycling yard that meets expected standards of safety for its work force and practice environmentally sound recycling processes.
Sea Sentinels offers on-site monitoring on behalf of the shipowner, from arrival of the ship until completion of recycling to ensure safety, environmental and health procedures required by the regulations and as laid down in the Ship Recycling Facility Plans (SRFP) and Ship Recycling Plan (SRP) are closely followed.
While in principle, IHM preparation is crucial for green ship recycling, potential problems include the quality and contents of the inventory, considering the mounting pressures on shipowners, surveyors and the capacity of those tasked with drawing up the inventories to cover the global commercial fleet of 30,000 ships before the deadline kicks in.
Nikeel Idnani, IMarEST UAE branch honorary secretary made references to current and upcoming regulations related to green recycling in pre-approved listed shipyards. He described the IHM as a ‘quagmire of upheaval’ as the shipping industry risks being caught off guard next year when vessels will need to have the inventory on board.
He emphasised the importance of the IHM, as they allow recyclers to know exactly what hazardous materials are on board a vessel and where they are located.