European Shipowners (ECSA) and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have today published an independent study on the main areas of divergence between the EU Regulation on the recycling of (EU SRR), applicable from 31 December 2018, and the Convention of Hong Kong (HKC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which It also examines the significant changes brought about by the new global standards after the HKC comes into force.

"The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention, on 26 June 2025 - recalled ECSA Secretary General, Sotiris Raptis - represented a milestone for recycling safe and environmentally friendly ships worldwide. It has led to significant and tangible changes at international level and has already contributed to the construction of more compliant. Our study identifies concrete areas where we can build on the experience gained with the EU Regulation on ship recycling to strengthen the Convention and raise the global standards. The experience accumulation phase, which will begin in 2027, is the ideal opportunity to discuss the areas of improvement and ensure a single international standard ambitious. In the meantime, we must address the current challenges in capacity, while promoting recycling safe and environmentally friendly ships on a global scale. Facilitate the inclusion of non-OECD shipyards in the EU SRR list - Raptis stressed - must be a priority for the EU'.

"This independent and detailed study - added John Stawpert, principal director (Marine) of the ICS - shows the significant overlaps between the EU Regulation on the ship recycling and the Hong Kong Convention. The report highlights the divergences between the two instruments and, by identifying three critical gaps, provides clear guidance on areas of intervention during the IMO experience acquisition phase next year's".

The study highlights that the global reach is much more of the Hong Kong Convention represents a strong point of and notes that addressing the identified gaps strengthen the Convention, raise global standards and would ensure consistent implementation worldwide. To this end, The study highlights three key areas that could be addressed, starting with that of the authorization of the plants ship recycling. It should be noted that the Contracting Parties to the Hong Kong Convention should communicate their mechanisms permitting of installations, including mandatory criteria and the form and frequency of inspections, with more clear on the organisations to which it can be delegated authorization. In addition, the International standards applicable to waste management under the Hong Kong Convention and the Parties should communicate which standards they consider mandatory for the authorization of the plants. Finally, the scope of inventory under the Hong Kong Convention should be updated to include as many materials covered by the EU Hazardous Materials Regulation.