Bangladesh Ratifies ‘Hongkong Convention’

Padmesh Prabhune

Bangladesh has ratified to the Hongkong Convention recently this week, adhering to its earlier promise for sustainable practices. On 26 June 2023, Bangladesh deposited their instruments of accession of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships with IMO. Until now 20 countries have ratified the Hong Kong International Convention, accounting for around 30% of all merchant shipping’s combined gross tonnage.

The Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) has welcomed this ratification as the step demonstrates Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable practices in the ship recycling industry and highlights its dedication to protecting the environment and the well-being of workers. With Bangladesh’s commitment this brings the requirements for the Convention being fulfilled to enter into force one more step closer.

ASA Secretary General, Yuichi Sonoda, said: “With this ratification, Bangladesh joins a select group of nations actively working towards enhancing safety and sustainability in ship recycling operations. The decision reflects Bangladesh’s proactive approach to improving the industry’s practices, ensuring worker safety, and minimizing the environmental impact associated with ship recycling.”

The HKC, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009, sets out guidelines and regulations for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. Its ratification by Bangladesh solidifies the country’s adherence to international standards and positions it as a responsible global player in the ship recycling sector.

The Convention must be ratified by at least 15 nations, accounting for 40% of global commercial shipping by gross tonnage, with a combined maximum annual ship recycling volume of not less than 3% of their total tonnage, in order to come into force.

-Marex Media