A New Era of ship Recycling, do ship owners need to adapt?

As the IMO Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships comes into force on 26th June 2025, the maritime industry faces a significant milestone in sustainability. To shed light on the implications, Garry Kelly , Director of Sustainability at Aalmar Group, shared his insights into the challenges and opportunities for ship owners and how Aalmar is supporting them in this transition.

What Does the Hong Kong Convention Mean for Ship Owners?

"The Convention is not new," Garry notes. "It was adopted back in 2009, but the recent ratification by key players like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan is finally bringing it into force." He highlights how this global unification of recycling standards is reshaping ship recycling, aligning it with complementary conventions like the Basel Convention and the European Ship Recycling Regulation.

Ship owners, Garry emphasises, are now tasked with greater accountability and preparation. "It's no longer enough to simply hand over a vessel for recycling. Owners must actively ensure transparency and compliance, not only to meet regulations but also to protect their reputations."

Key Challenges for Ship Owners

Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): Garry stresses the importance of maintaining a robust IHM, which plays a central role in recycling compliance. "Preparation is key. Selecting the right yard and ensuring the vessel meets recycling standards requires early planning and a tailored approach for each ship."

Yard Selection: With 15,000 ships predicted to require recycling over the next decade, facilities in South Asia and emerging players like Egypt and Portugal are stepping up. However, "it’s crucial for owners to choose yards that not only meet regulatory requirements but also align with sustainability goals," says Garry.

Stakeholder Expectations: Increasing involvement from financiers, insurers, and other stakeholders means ship owners must demonstrate clear, measurable sustainability practices. "The era of simply passing responsibility is over," Garry explains. "Owners need to prove that recycling processes are transparent and accountable."

How Aalmar Surveys is Supporting Ship Owners

Aalmar Surveys plays a pivotal role in guiding ship owners through these challenges. "Our expertise lies in delivering tailored, actionable insights that go beyond minimum compliance," Garry shares. "We work closely with owners to verify milestones, assess vessel conditions, and ensure management systems are fully compliant."

Aalmar’s sustainability-focused reporting mechanisms provide a clearer picture of how vessels meet current and future regulations. "By continuously evolving our services based on client needs, we ensure that owners have the tools and insights to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market," Garry adds.

Best Practices for Ship Owners

Ship owners preparing for responsible recycling should focus on:

Early Preparation: Proactively plan for recycling, from IHM maintenance to selecting compliant yards.

Transparency: Maintain clear documentation and reporting to align with stakeholder expectations.

Collaboration: Leverage partnerships with experienced surveyors like Aalmar to gain independent verification and deeper insights.

As Garry succinctly puts it, "Seeing the wood through the trees is crucial. An independent eye often highlights areas owners may overlook."

The Future of Vessel Recycling

Looking ahead, Garry predicts growing momentum in recycling, driven by regulatory pressure and a market need for high-quality recycled steel. He also foresees innovations in recycling technologies, such as hydraulic cutting mechanisms, to enhance safety and environmental compliance.

"The maritime industry is entering an exciting yet challenging phase," Garry concludes. "For Aalmar, the focus will remain on supporting our clients with due diligence and ensuring recycling is conducted responsibly, sustainably, and transparently."

A Final Thought

Ship owners are at the forefront of a pivotal moment in maritime history. By embracing transparency, planning ahead, and aligning with trusted experts like Aalmar Surveys, they can not only meet the demands of the Hong Kong Convention but also position themselves as leaders in sustainable ship management.

For more insights, leave your questions in the comments or reach out directly to Aalmar Surveys. One thing is certain, Aalmar will be keeping a sharp eye out to provide the highest level of support as the industry continues to evolve in this new era of responsible recycling.

If you would like to find out more about how Aalmar can help you prepare for Ship Recycling, get in touch at [email protected]