HKC Convention Enters into Force: What It Means for Ship Recycling in 2025

On 26 June 2025, a historic milestone was achieved in the maritime and ship recycling world:
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) officially entered into force.

This landmark convention, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets global standards for the safe and environmentally responsible recycling of ships, with the goal of protecting human health and the marine environment.

For the ship recycling industry — especially in leading countries like India — this moment marks the beginning of a new era defined by sustainability, safety, and accountability.

What Is the HKC?

The Hong Kong Convention was adopted in 2009 but required ratification by a sufficient number of countries representing a major portion of the world’s merchant shipping and recycling capacity. That threshold was finally reached, and the Convention became legally binding from June 2025.

Its key objectives are to:

• Ensure safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships
• Prevent hazardous material exposure for workers and the environment
• Establish a global framework for shipowners, flag states, and recycling yards

Why the HKC Matters to Shipowners

Shipowners are now obligated to ensure that their vessels are recycled only at HKC-compliant facilities. Non-compliance can result in legal complications, loss of reputation, and operational restrictions.

Here’s what shipowners need to do:

• Maintain a Ship Recycling Plan (SRP)
• Develop and update the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
• Work only with certified recycling yards that meet HKC standards

India: A Global Leader in HKC-Compliant Ship Recycling

India, one of the world’s largest ship recycling hubs, ratified the HKC in November 2019, positioning itself at the forefront of green and responsible ship dismantling. The industry in India has since undergone significant upgrades in:

• Infrastructure
• Waste management systems
• Worker health and safety
• Environmental compliance

R.L. Kalthia Ship Breaking Pvt. Ltd. is proud to be among the first Indian yards to achieve HKC requirements, holding the Statement of Compliance (SOC) from ClassNK.

What This Means for the Future of Ship Recycling

With the HKC now in force, the global ship recycling industry is expected to undergo a massive transformation:

• Transparency and traceability will become standard
• Unregulated dismantling will be phased out
• Demand for certified green recycling yards will rise sharply
• Ports and classification societies will enforce stricter audits

Shipowners now face a clear choice: operate with certified partners or risk falling behind in the new regulatory landscape.

Final Thoughts

The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention in June 2025 is not just a regulatory update — it is a global commitment to a safer, greener maritime industry. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations increase, compliance with international frameworks like the HKC will become a business imperative.

At R.L. Kalthia Ship Breaking Pvt. Ltd., we embrace this change and continue to lead the way in HKC-compliant, eco-friendly ship recycling.