The Portuguese government has ratified the Hong Kong International Convention on Ship Recycling, transposing it into national law. Portugal’s action is fully supported by EISAP and brings to 20 the number of countries which have now ratified the Convention.
The move represents an important milestone in enhancing Portugal’s status as one of the fastest growing, responsible and sustainable European fleets. And it brings Important international standards for the safe and sound recycling of merchant ships one step closer.
The Hong Kong Convention will enter into force once all necessary conditions are met, ensuring more legal certainty and improved conditions of competition for European shipowners and EISAP members.
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The existing EU Ship Recycling Regulation reflects a sound initial approach but the recycling capacity of certified recycling facilities in the EU, Turkey and the US is too limited and does not meet all recycling capacity needs of European shipowners.
The international Hong Kong Convention will enter into force two years after 15 IMO states, representing 40% of the world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, and on average 3% of recycling tonnage for the previous 10 years, have signed it or deposited instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Secretary General.
Pressure is now on larger flag states to ratify the Convention, including at least one with large recycling capacity, such as China.
Source: EISAP Portugal Shipowners
