Manila, Philippines, 07 November 2024 – The Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is hosting a three-day subregional workshop by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aimed at enhancing compliance and safety in ship recycling across Asia. Commenced on 06 November 2024, the workshop is a crucial step in advancing the implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which is set to enter into force on 26 June 2025.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan opened the workshop, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation for the HKC’s upcoming enactment. “This workshop provides us with the vital opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Hong Kong Convention, which aims to ensure that ship recycling is conducted with maximum safety and minimal environmental impact,” Malaluan said. She underscored the HKC’s objectives to protect human health and uphold environmental standards in an industry marked by complex hazardous waste management.
The three-day workshop, organized under the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Program (ITCP), combines interactive discussions, technical presentations, and real-world exposure. The agenda covers critical aspects of the HKC, including the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, ship recycling facility standards, authorization processes, and EU regulations on ship recycling.
Topics on related conventions, such as the Basel Convention on hazardous waste, are also included, offering a comprehensive look at the global framework shaping the industry.
Meanwhile, IMO Technical Officer Mr. Jun Sun highlighted the broader impact of the HKC, describing it as a pivotal advancement toward responsible ship recycling. “To implement the Hong Kong Convention effectively, we must consider both environmental and occupational safety challenges. This workshop strengthens the technical foundation needed by government officials and industry players to meet the demands of safe, sustainable ship recycling.”
On the second day, participants will tour ship recycling yards in Navotas, observing firsthand the practical aspects of recycling operations and HKC compliance measures.
The final day will feature an in-depth exploration of IMO-led technical cooperation and country-specific practices in implementing the HKC. Representatives from major ship recycling countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, will contribute insights on existing challenges and share best practices. Interactive discussions will address gaps in current compliance efforts, with a focus on developing sustainable solutions to align with the HKC’s standards.
The event has drawn notable experts, including Mr. Jun Sun from the IMO, Ms. Guldrun Janssens from the Baltic and International Maritime Council, and Mr. Takeshi Naruse from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. The gathering reflects the IMO’s commitment to boosting technical cooperation and environmental stewardship among nations heavily involved in ship recycling, a sector often challenged by hazardous materials and environmental risks.
The workshop was likewise attended by the national participants from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Science and Technology – Philippines Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and private stakeholders.
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