Development of an international convention on recycling of ships
IMO is curently developing a Convention providing globally applicable ship recycling regulations for international shipping and for recycling activities.
The IMO Assembly
in November-December 2005 agreed that IMO should develop a new legally-binding
instrument on ship recycling. The Assembly resolution A.981(24) New legally-binding
instrument on Ship Recycling requests the Marine Environment Protection
Committee to develop a new instrument that would provide regulations for:
| - | the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships so as to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships; | |
| - | the operation of ship recycling facilities in a safe and environmentally sound manner; and | |
| - | the establishment of an appropriate enforcement mechanism for ship recycling, incorporating certification and reporting requirements. |
The aim is to complete the instrument in time for its consideration and adoption in the 2008-2009 biennium. The resolution refers to the urgent need for IMO to contribute to the development of an effective solution to the issue of ship recycling, which will minimize, in the most effective, efficient and sustainable way, the environmental, occupational health and safety risks related to ship recycling, taking into account the particular characteristics of world maritime transport and the need for securing the smooth withdrawal of ships that have reached the end of their operating lives.
