The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships during the International Conference on the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which took place from 11-15 May 2009, in Hong Kong, China.

The Convention aims to ensure that ship recycling is carried out in a way that does not pose unnecessary risks to human health and safety and the environment. It was developed over the past three years, with input from IMO member States and relevant industry organizations and in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the parties to the Basel Convention.
Link to further information
IMO press release, 18 May 2009