Ahead of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) entering into force tomorrow, viewers can read here below a comment from partner Philip Roche, Global Co-Head of Shipping at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright:
“The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention is a major milestone in the global effort to improve ship recycling standards. It introduces a long-overdue international framework aimed at ensuring safer and more environmentally responsible ship dismantling.
“However, while this is a welcome development, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented. The Convention’s impact is arguably limited by its lack of equivalency with the Basel Convention and EU regulations, which continue to restrict access to modern, certified recycling yards in South Asia.
“Until these frameworks are aligned, shipowners must navigate a complex web of overlapping obligations. It is vital that they plan early for end-of-life vessel disposal, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws to avoid reputational and legal risks. The Convention’s implementation is a step forward, but meaningful reform will require further amendments and international consensus to deliver the clarity and capacity the industry urgently needs.”
