Turkey ratifies Hong Kong convention

Turkey becomes the seventh state to become a party to 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 seven states are Belgium, Congo, Denmark, France, Norway, Panama and Turkey, representing more than one fifth of the world merchant shipping tonnage. Combined ship recycling volume is currently 0.62%.

The top five ship recycling countries, accounting for more than 90% by tonnage are Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and Turkey.

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. Turkey has declared that it requires explicit approval of this plan before a ship may be recycled in its authorised facilities.