Germany ratifies Hong Kong convention

The convention which will enter into force 24 months after ratification by 15 states, representing 40% of the world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, and a combined maximum annual ship recycling volume not less than 3% of their combined tonnage.

The 13 states are Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, the Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Serbia and Turkey, representing 29.42% of the world merchant shipping tonnage.

The combined ship recycling volume is below 1% of the gross tonnage of the 13 contracting States’ merchant fleet.

Under the convention, ships sent for recycling are required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials and 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.