As previously reported, Portugal is the latest country to accede to IMO’s treaty for safe and environmentally-sound ship recycling – the Hong Kong Convention. Until today, 20 Contracting States have ratified the Convention, representing 30.16% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping.
In late February, the Portuguese government had announced the news while on 28 March, Portugal’s H.E. Mr. Nuno e Brito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Portugal to IMO deposited the instrument of accession with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.
The Convention covers the design, construction, operation and maintenance of ships, and preparation for ship recycling in order to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships.
Under the treaty, ships to be sent for recycling are required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials, specific to each ship. Ship recycling yards are required to provide a Ship Recycling Plan, specifying the manner in which each ship will be recycled, depending on its particulars and its inventory.
