Recycling of ships

• Ship Recycling Convention will set global standards
• EU Regulation already implements some of the requirements
• Contact point ship recycling

Ship Recycling Convention sets global standards

For decades, it was common practice to have disused ships broken up in south Asian countries because of the associated financial advantages – however, oftentimes under precarious conditions for humans as well as the environment. This is now over: The "Hongkong Convention" makes unified global standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling mandatory.

This International Ship Recycling Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organization IMO in 2009 and entered into force on 26 June 2025. The Convention contains far-reaching provisions on environmentally sound and safe recycling of ships for shipping companies, shipyards, manufacturers, suppliers and recycling facilities.

The Hongkong Convention applies to all new and existing sea-going ships of 500 GT or more and that do not fly a flag of an EU member state. EU ships are still subject to the EU Ship Recycling Regulation of 2013 and need to follow its provisions.

EU Regulation already implements some of the requirements

For all ships

• On international voyages and
• Flying an EU flag and
• With a size of 500 GT or more,

Regulation EU 1257/2013 on ship recycling on the recycling of ships applies and it contains among other things the following requirements:

• These ships may only be recycled on authorized recycle yards on the EU list of recycling facilities.
• These ships must carry a ship-specific Inventory of Hazardous Materials/IHM stating as a minimum the hazardous materials on board (structure and equipment) listed in Annex II as well as their location and the approximate amount.
• These ships must hold a Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials.
• Existing ships require the Inventory of Hazardous Materials and the associated certificate since 31 December 2020.
• The Inventories of Hazardous Materials and the associated certificates are approved by the respective Flag State.
• The ships intended to be passed to be recycled must have a Ready for Recycling Certificate.

Further information can be found in  ISM Circular 03/2019.

Since 26 June 2025 ships of 500 GT or more need to carry the new form of the International Redy for Recycling Certificate on baord.

Ships flying a flag of a non-EU State that call on a European port are required to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials as well as a Document of Compliance.

(back to top)

Contact point ship recycling

According to the EU Regulation, every member state designates a contact point which informs and advises on the topic. The contact point of Germany is the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

(back to top)