Turkey has become the first major shiprecycling country to ratify the IMO’s Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).
The move coincides with the 10-year anniversary since text of the convention was adopted in Hong Kong in 2009.
The instrument of ratification was deposited with the IMO by Umit Yalcin, ambassador and permanent representative of Turkey to the United Nations' organisation.
The only other states to have ratified the convention so far are Belgium, the Republic of Congo, Denmark, France, Norway and Panama.
Turkey is the main destination for scrap ships outside the Indian sub-continent, especially now China has withdrawn from importing foreign flag tonnage for recycling.
Enhanced role
It is set to play an enhanced role following the inclusion of two Leyal recycling sites in December on the European Union’s list of yards approved to handle the scrapping of EU-flag vessels.
They are among the first of only three non-European facilities so far included on the 26-strong list under the European Ship Recycling Regulation.
To enter into force, the HKC requires the support of 15 states representing 40% of the world fleet and by shiprecycling countries representing a proportion of global shipbreaking capacity.
