Australia urges caution as IMO approves new recycling rules

In a final consensus agreement, delegates agreed the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships should come into force 24 months after the entry-into-force conditions were met.
These conditions were that not less than 15 states had ratified the convention; the combined fleets of the 15 states constituted not less than 40% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant fleet; and the combined maximum ship recycling volume of these states was not less than 3% of their combined merchant fleet.
Among member states, Japan and Australia were particularly concerned that if these conditions were too onerous the convention would never be ratified.
The Australian representative said it would be a “very unfortunate outcome” of the entry-into-force threshold was not reached.
IMO secretary-general Efthimios Mitropoulos would not be drawn on when the convention would formally enter force.
He said IMO conventions historically took five years after approval before they were finally ratified but added that the IMO now had a three-year ratification target.
He urged member states to ratify the convention as soon as possible.
Observers said the convention could take effect sometime between 2013 and 2016.
The end of the conference on Friday “should mark the beginning of strenuous efforts. First to initiate back home work to ratify the convention at the earliest possible opportunity; secondly to initiate action to provide technical assistance to requesting countries without awaiting its entry into force; thirdly to initiate action… to ensure the effective implementation and proper enforcement of the convention when it comes into force,” Mr Mitropoulos said.
The convention covers three areas. These are the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships for recycling; the safe and environmentally-sound operation of ship recycling facilities; and the creation of enforcement mechanisms for ship recycling, including surveys and certification, inspections and reporting requirements.
Shipyards will have to prepare an inventory of the materials used in the construction of a ship, which will have to be updated during the life of the vessel.
Shipowners will have to prepare these inventories for ships already in service.
Guidelines will also be established on who should compile and update inventories.
The IMO will also offer technical assistance to shipbreaking nations such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Turkey for them to meet the requirements made in the convention.
Representatives from Japan and Denmark also urged early ratification of the convention, while Kenya said the convention would “go a long way to alleviating the suffering of workers in the ship recycling industry”.
The International Chamber of Shipping welcomed the adoption of the convention, which it said would improve recycling practices worldwide and safeguard the health, welfare and safety of recycling workers.
But ICS marine director Peter Hinchcliffe said: “When convention texts remain in a period of limbo waiting for the ratification criteria, it is not helpful for the industry. It leads to confusion and attracts criticism that the industry is not keeping up with environmental expectations.”
He added: “We strongly urge all states to ratify the recycling convention; there is an opportunity now for IMO member states to demonstrate continued leadership in this field and to act without delay.”