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.
- Objective:
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- 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:
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- 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
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- Pollution control, environmental impact assessment, and waste management.
- GS Paper 2 – International Treaties & Bodies
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- Role of international organizations like IMO, ILO, Basel Convention.
- GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure & Industry
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- Blue economy, coastal regulation, and the shipbuilding/recycling sector in India.
