From Policy To Practice: Ship Recycling
As the maritime world observes World Maritime Day 2026 on 24 September, the IMO’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” could not be more timely for ship recycling. The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on 26 June 2025. With that milestone, safe ...
The 2026 Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on June 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for regulations surrounding ship recycling. The IMO's theme for World Maritime Day 2026 focuses on the transition from policy to practice, emphasizing the critical role of human factors in implementing effective ship recycling procedures.
While regulations establish frameworks such as inventories of hazardous materials and certification requirements, the true measure of success lies in the practical implementation of these policies. To achieve maritime excellence, ship recycling workers must receive comprehensive training, appropriate personal protective equipment, and clear supervision.
Safety procedures must be translated into actionable behaviors, with consistent performance reflecting the facility's commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. The industry has shown significant progress, with responsible yards investing in infrastructure, safety measures, hazardous material management, and training programs.
However, the effectiveness of the Hong Kong Convention will ultimately be determined by how well these regulations are implemented on the ground, in the yards, and by the workers. The focus must shift from merely complying with maritime policy to turning it into tangible maritime excellence, with the ultimate goal of protecting people and the environment.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
