The group met in Hong Kong on 14th May to discuss the next steps needed to bring the HKC into force and the need for a global solution for environmentally sustainable ship recycling.
Noting the expected increase in demand for ship recycling this year, particularly in the tanker sector, and after reviewing the increasing need to expand the number of HKC compliant ship recycling facilities worldwide, the joint industry meeting agreed that the entry into force of the HKC was critical.
However, to be able to bring the convention into force, it is essential that the ship recycling states commit to improving the standards of ship recycling and ratify the HKC.
The participating associations said that they would:
• Encourage member associations to approach their respective governments to hasten the process of ratification of HKC.
• Encourage national associations to request their respective governments to include ratification of the HKC as an agenda item when having an opportunity to talk with officials of the ship recycling states.
• Encourage all ship recycling states to ratify the HKC.
• Encourage IMO and its member states to establish a team for early enactment of the HKC under IMO, which would act as a focal point for activities of the concerned stakeholders including governments, recyclers, workers, shipowners and observer organisations.
The status of the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) and the EU recycling facilities list was also reviewed.
It was noted that there is expected to be a lack of facilities on the EU List when the regulation enters into force on 31st December, 2018, as well as the problem that until now, no non-EU ship recycling yard is included in the EU list.
As a result, the shipowners associations urged the European Commission to increase the recycling capacity on the EU list with the inclusion of facilities outside of Europe (see also Markets below).