Hong Kong Convention (HKC)

Context: The Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships came into force on June 26, 2025.

About Hong Kong Convention (HKC):

• What is It? The HKC is a global treaty developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate the safe and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life ships.

• The HKC is a global treaty developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate the safe and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life ships.

• Objective:

• Minimize health hazards to workers and environmental pollution from shipbreaking. Regulate hazardous materials like asbestos, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Promote safe waste handling and disposal during the ship dismantling process.

• Minimize health hazards to workers and environmental pollution from shipbreaking.

• Regulate hazardous materials like asbestos, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons.

• Promote safe waste handling and disposal during the ship dismantling process.

• Key Features:

• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) required on board ships. Ship Recycling Plans (SRP) must be approved before dismantling. Recycling yards must issue Recycling Completion Certificates within 14 days. Certification and audits by recognized classification societies. Encourages establishment of authorized and regulated recycling yards

• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) required on board ships.

• Ship Recycling Plans (SRP) must be approved before dismantling.

• Recycling yards must issue Recycling Completion Certificates within 14 days.

• Certification and audits by recognized classification societies.

• Encourages establishment of authorized and regulated recycling yards

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper 3 – Environment

• Pollution control, environmental impact assessment, and waste management.

• GS Paper 2 – International Treaties & Bodies

• Role of international organizations like IMO, ILO, Basel Convention.

• GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure & Industry

• Blue economy, coastal regulation, and the shipbuilding/recycling sector in India.