DNV Provides Guidance on Complying with New Ship Recycling Regulations Under the Hong Kong Convention and EU SRR

(IN BRIEF) DNV has released a guidance paper to help shipowners navigate the regulatory landscape of ship recycling, particularly with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and EU Ship Recycling Regulations (EU SRR). With the HKC set to take effect in 2025, shipowners are advised on how to comply with both international and EU regulations, including the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and the need for recycling facilities to hold the necessary certifications. DNV’s paper also discusses the environmental and safety concerns involved in ship recycling and the need for sustainable practices. The guidance offers valuable insights for shipowners to make informed decisions about responsibly handling the end-of-life phase of their vessels.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 13-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — With the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) coming into effect soon, shipowners are urged to ensure their vessels comply with the regulatory frameworks governing ship recycling. DNV has released its latest guidance paper, “Safe and Green Recycling for Ship Owners,” which outlines how shipowners can align with both the EU Ship Recycling Regulations (EU SRR) and the HKC, which will become effective on June 26, 2025.

The ship recycling process is crucial to promoting a circular economy, where materials and components are reused or recycled. However, the process requires meticulous planning to ensure safety. Ships often contain hazardous materials that, if not properly managed, can pose significant risks to workers’ health, safety, and the environment. Shipowners must adopt a well-thought-out strategy to responsibly manage the end-of-life phase of their vessels.

As thousands of ships are expected to be recycled in the coming decade, the HKC, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is an essential step toward safer and more environmentally sound ship recycling. The convention provides a global framework that enhances safety and sustainability.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime, emphasized: “The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to embrace sustainable practices. It is crucial that shipowners understand the full scope of regulations from both the EU and IMO. These regulations focus on improving workers’ safety while safeguarding the environment from pollution and hazardous material release. Our guidance provides shipowners with the insights they need to navigate these regulations and make informed recycling decisions.”

The EU’s Ship Recycling Regulation No. 1257/2013 (EU SRR), effective since 2013, focuses on waste management and sustainable ship recycling for EU-flagged ships. Meanwhile, the HKC will take effect in 2025, with compliance mandatory by 2030. This global regulation applies to ships above 500 gross tonnages (GT) and integrates social values by following the UN’s human rights principles. DNV’s guidance offers shipowners a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape and available recycling options.

Understanding the HKC requirements is crucial for shipowners. As of now, 24 countries, including the four largest ship recycling nations—India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey—have ratified the HKC. To comply, ships must have an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for Part I, along with an onboard survey, before obtaining an International IHM Certificate. An update to the IHM (Parts II and III) and a final survey are required before issuing the Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC). Additionally, ships must be sent to a recycling facility that holds a Document of Authorization for Ship Recycling (DASR).

Tone Knudsen Fiskeseth, Principal Consultant at DNV, commented on improvements observed during inspections for the European Commission, noting progress in worker safety, environmental protection, and hazardous material handling. She stated, “With the HKC coming into force in 2025, shipowners must fully understand the complex regulatory landscape, which also includes the Basel Convention and the EU SRR. Compliance with the HKC and Basel guidelines supports a sustainable circular economy, while EU waste directives promote further efforts to minimize environmental impact. Technological innovations in ship dismantling will also play a critical role in improving safety and sustainability.”

To help shipowners navigate this evolving regulatory environment, DNV provides a variety of services, including approval and certification of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), class support for owners, and advisory services to the European Commission on inspecting ship recycling facilities.

The full guidance paper can be downloaded here.

Media Contact:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime
Phone: +47 47 68 22 89

SOURCE: DNV