Upwards of 70 shipbreaking facilities around the world have statements of compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
The growth in certification — particularly in India where more than 50% of yards are accredited — is generally regarded as a positive.
But one issue for recyclers is that so many yards now have the certification that it is becoming regarded as the norm, rather than the exception.
PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries became the first yard in Bangladesh to receive a Hong Kong Convention compliance statement.
But according to managing director Mohammed Zahirul Islam, it has not helped the yard win improved business terms on recycling deals.
He blames owners for failing to recognise the benefits of green scrapping.
“Nowadays, it is difficult to get a premium buying vessels. Many of the recycling facilities in India are Hong Kong Convention compliant now, whereas few shipowners are responsible.
"We need more responsible shipowners to choose Hong Kong Convention-compliant facilities.”
Bangladesh is the next country where certification is set take off as facilities are audited.
Raising standards
Islam said yards are being encouraged by the government to meet the standards of the Hong Kong Convention.
“The Ministry of Industries is putting alot of efforts to change the image of the recycling industry. We see great improvements and many more yards will get statements of compliance soon.
“Bangladesh will always require shiprecycling as the country depends heavily on scrap to produce rebar. I see good growth in this sector in the coming years. With government's support, the industry will surely become green and we will see more recycling.”
The certificates are being issued mainly by class societies ClassNK and RINA, but the Indian Register and Lloyd’s Register are also doing so.
Lloyd’s Register is now providing certification that recognises where recycling yards have achieved the even higher standards specified by the European Union’s Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR).
It recently provided SRR certification to two breaking yards in India, Shree Ram Green Ship Recycling Industries and YS Investments.
