South Africa takes steps to ratify the Hong Kong Convention

This move aims to align the country with other International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states that have already adopted the Convention, which addresses significant environmental and safety issues related to ship recycling.

Adopted in May 2009 during a Diplomatic Conference in Hong Kong, the Convention seeks to regulate the recycling of ships that may contain hazardous substances, such as asbestos, heavy metals, and ozone-depleting materials. It aims to improve the working conditions within ship recycling facilities globally while ensuring that the recycling process does not compromise environmental safety.

In late July 2023, after Bangladesh and Liberia ratified the Hong Kong International Convention, it is now expected to enter into force in 26 June 2025. 

As part of the ratification process, the Department of Transport is inviting shipbuilding yards, labor representatives, and maritime stakeholders to submit written comments on the initiative within 30 days of the announcement, which was published on July 19, 2024.