Scrapping Progress

11 April 2008 - Shiptalk

The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization reports that it has made "substantial progress" in developing the draft text of the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. This new convention will provide globally applicable ship recycling regulations for international shipping and for recycling activities. The work paves the way for the committee to approve the draft at its next meeting in October 2008, taking the process one step closer to the holding of a diplomatic conference to adopt the Convention in Hong Kong, China, in May 2009, although such action is subject to endorsement by the IMO Council in June 2008. The new convention will provide regulations for the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships; for the operation of ship recycling facilities in a safe and environmentally sound manner; and for the establishment of an appropriate enforcement mechanism for ship recycling, incorporating certification and reporting requirements.