14 July 2014
France Ratifies Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling
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France has become the third country to ratify the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong Kong Convention), which was adopted in May 2009.

The Republic of Congo and Norway have already ratified the Convention.

IMO2 July 2014: France has become the third country to ratify the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong Kong Convention), which was adopted in May 2009. The Republic of Congo and Norway have already ratified the Convention.

The Hong Kong Convention aims to ensure that ships, when recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and the environment, and addresses concerns about environmental conditions at ship recycling locations. Upon the Convention’s entry into force, ships sent for recycling will be required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials. Ship recycling yards will be required to provide a Ship Recycling Plan, specifying the manner in which each ship will be recycled. Parties will be required to ensure that ship-recycling facilities under their jurisdiction comply with the Convention.

The text of the Hong Kong Convention was developed over three and a half years, with input from International Maritime Organization (IMO) member States and NGOs, and in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the parties to the Basel Convention. The Convention will enter into force 
24 months after the date on which 15 States, representing 40% of world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, have either signed or deposited instruments of ratification. [IMO Press Release] [Hong Kong Convention Website]

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