- The Union Cabinet granted approval for India to accede to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009.
- The Convention, adopted during a diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, China, from May 11th to 15th, 2009, aims to guarantee that ships, upon recycling at the conclusion of their operational lifespan, do not present undue risks to human health, safety, and the environment.
OBJECTIVES
- The convention aims to tackle various issues related to ship recycling, encompassing the potential presence of environmentally hazardous substances like asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozone-depleting substances, and others.
- Additionally, it seeks to address concerns regarding working and environmental conditions prevalent in numerous ship recycling facilities worldwide.
SCOPES
- The convention encompasses the aspects of ship design, construction, operation, and preparation to ensure the facilitation of safe and environmentally sound recycling, while maintaining the safety and operational efficiency of ships.
- It further addresses the safe and environmentally sound operation of ship recycling facilities.
- The establishment of a robust enforcement mechanism for ship recycling is also a key component, integrating certification and reporting requirements.
NEED FOR LEGISLATIONS
- India holds a prominent position in the global ship recycling industry, commanding a market share exceeding 30%.
- According to the UNCTAD report on the Review of Maritime Transport in 2018, India played a significant role by dismantling 6323 tonnes of ships in 2017, contributing substantially to the global ship scrapping landscape.
- The ship recycling industry, although labor-intensive, faces challenges related to environmental safety. Balancing economic contributions with environmental considerations remains a key aspect of the sector’s sustainable development.
RECYCLING OF SHIPS ACT 2019
The Union Cabinet has given approval for the enactment of the Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019, along with accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009. Key features of the bill include:
- Restrictions on Hazardous Materials:
- It imposes restrictions and prohibitions on the use or installation of hazardous materials, regardless of whether a ship is intended for recycling.
- Immediate Effect for New Ships:
- For new ships, the restrictions or prohibitions on the use of hazardous materials will take effect immediately from the date the legislation comes into force.
- Compliance Period for Existing Ships:
- Existing ships are granted a compliance period of five years to adhere to the restrictions or prohibitions on the use of hazardous materials.
- Exemption for Certain Ships:
- Warships and non-commercial ships operated by the government are exempted from the restrictions or prohibitions on the use of hazardous materials.
- Surveys and Certification:
- Ships are required to undergo surveys and obtain certification regarding the inventory of hazardous materials used.
- Authorized Ship Recycling Facilities:
- Ship recycling facilities must be authorized under the bill, and ships can only be recycled in such authorized facilities.
- Ship-Specific Recycling Plan:
- The bill mandates that ships be recycled in accordance with a ship-specific recycling plan.
- Ready for Recycling Certificate:
- Ships to be recycled in India must obtain a “Ready for Recycling Certificate” in accordance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships (HKC).
FAQs – Hong Kong Convention on Recycling of Ships
1. What is the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009?
A: The Hong Kong Convention is an international agreement adopted during a diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, China, from May 11th to 15th, 2009. Its primary objective is to ensure that ships, upon reaching the end of their operational lives and being recycled, do not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, and the environment.
2. Why did India accede to the Hong Kong Convention?
A: India, being a significant player in the global ship recycling industry with over 30% market share, recognized the importance of adhering to international standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. Acceding to the Hong Kong Convention aligns India with global efforts to address environmental concerns and ensure responsible ship recycling practices.
3. What are the objectives of the Hong Kong Convention?
A: The convention aims to address various issues related to ship recycling, including the presence of hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and ozone-depleting substances. It also seeks to improve working and environmental conditions in ship recycling facilities worldwide.
4. What aspects does the Hong Kong Convention cover?
A: The convention covers ship design, construction, operation, and preparation to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships. It also addresses the safe and environmentally sound operation of ship recycling facilities and establishes an enforcement mechanism with certification and reporting requirements.
5. How does the Hong Kong Convention impact India’s ship recycling industry?
A: India’s accession to the convention reflects its commitment to adopting responsible ship recycling practices. The convention provides a framework for addressing environmental concerns associated with ship recycling while balancing economic contributions. It encourages the industry to adopt safer and more sustainable practices.
6. What is the Recycling of Ships Act 2019?
A: The Recycling of Ships Act 2019 is a legislative proposal approved by the Union Cabinet of India. It complements India’s accession to the Hong Kong Convention and includes key features such as restrictions on hazardous materials, immediate compliance for new ships, a five-year compliance period for existing ships, exemptions for certain ships, surveys and certification requirements, authorization of ship recycling facilities, ship-specific recycling plans, and the issuance of a “Ready for Recycling Certificate.”
7. How will the Recycling of Ships Act 2019 impact ship recycling in India?
A: The Act imposes restrictions on hazardous materials, ensuring safer recycling practices. It provides a compliance timeline for existing ships and exemptions for warships and non-commercial government-operated ships. The legislation mandates surveys, certifications, and recycling plans, promoting responsible practices. Ships destined for recycling in India must obtain a “Ready for Recycling Certificate” in line with the Hong Kong Convention.
8. What is the significance of the “Ready for Recycling Certificate”?
A: The “Ready for Recycling Certificate” is a requirement for ships intended for recycling in India under the Hong Kong Convention. It signifies that the ship complies with the international standards outlined in the convention, ensuring safe and environmentally sound recycling practices.
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