Portugal has ratified the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
That brings to 20 the number of states that have signed since it was adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2009.
The Shipowners Association of Portugal (EISAP) said: “The move represents an important milestone in enhancing Portugal’s status as one of the fastest-growing, responsible and sustainable European fleets. And it brings important international standards for the safe and sound recycling of merchant ships one step closer.”
However, the addition of Portugal’s name is still not enough to meet the entry-into-force criteria set by the IMO.
The convention will enter into force when 15 IMO member states, representing 40% of world merchant shipping and on average 3% of recycling tonnage for the previous 10 years have signed up.
The convention meets the current criteria in terms of ship ownership, but not in terms of recycling capacity. India is the only substantial recycling state to have adopted the convention.
Bangladesh and China have indicated their intention to ratify the convention, but have not yet made the commitment.
“Pressure is now on larger flag states to ratify the convention, including at least one with large recycling capacity, such as China,” EISAP said.
The Hong Kong Convention sets minimum safety, environmental and labour standards for ship recycling.
