Tag: IHM

2020 will see several regulatory changes, with the main on being the IMO 2020 sulphur cap. However, in addition to the sulphur cap regulation, numerous other regulations will also be implemented worldwide by the IMO and ILO over the course of the year.

Part I of the IHM shall remain with a vessel throughout its operational life, and be updated as all new installations enter the ship, as these may potentially contain hazards. The presence of the inventory will then ensure the safety of crew members during the vessel's operational life.

Liberia Maritime Authority issued practical guidance to shipping on the development and maintenance of inventories of hazardous materials (IHM), in line with Regulation 5 of the Hong Kong Convention and Article 12 of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR). 

The entry into force of the sulphur cap in the beginning of 2020 is – and will be – the highlight of the year. However, at the end of 2020, ships must comply with another very important requirement. Specifically, starting from 31 December 2020, ships above 500 GT and flying the flag of an EU/EEA member state, or third-party flagged vessels calling at European ports, must carry an Inventory Hazardous Materials (IHM) certificate on board. To shed light on this matter, DNV GL hosted a webinar, providing more information about the subject.

During the second SAFETY4SEA Singapore Forum, Rakesh Bhargava, Director at Sea Sentinels, examined the ‘IHM and its Maintenance,’ underlining that the preparation of IHMs are crucial for green ship recycling. Mr. Bhargava stressed potential problems, considering the mounting pressures on shipowners, surveyors and the capacity of those tasked, emphasizing on the importance of the IHM for recyclers.

Lately the shipping industry has shed its focus on the 2020 sulphur cap, however, other important regulatory updates are expected to become effective from January 1st  as well; for instance in the area of ship recycling, the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) is going to bring changes for which operators need to be aware of for compliance with the requirements of both Hong Kong Convention and EU-Ship Recycling Regulation.

During the last SAFETY4SEA Hamburg Forum, Gunther Zeitzmann, Ship Recycling Engineer and member of the International HazMat Association (IHMA), highlighted the importance of preparation, certification and maintenance of an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for compliance with the requirements of Hong Kong Convention and EU-Ship Recycling Regulation. He further referred to key steps for effective development of IHM and certification; the operations and maintenance of the IHM and the importance of control with flags, classes and PSC.

Classification Society ClassNK has released its “Guidelines for the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (Ver.4.00), the development of which will be required for ships over 500GT after the Hong Kong Convention enters into force.

As the EU Ship Recycling Regulation is to take effect in 2020, stakeholders should stand up to their responsibilities and IHM Service suppliers should create effective procedures to promote compliance, argues Consulting Engineer Stefanos Magoulas.

It seems that lately the all-consuming, requirements of 2020 sulphur cap are somehow overshadowing those of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) which are crucial for ensuring green and sustainable shipping as well, in the ship recycling field though. IHM is one of the most important documents in planning the recycling process of a ship.