Amid evolving ship recycling regulations, BIMCO manager of EU intergovernmental relations, Gudrun Janssens offers insights on compliance challenges and opportunities at the Brussels forum
As the maritime industry braces for the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and grapples with evolving regulatory frameworks, the Responsible Ship Recycling Forum 2024 in Brussels emerges as a pivotal platform.
With the HKC poised to reshape the ship recycling landscape, stakeholders face a critical juncture. Mr Janssens stresses the indispensable role of Inventories of Hazardous Materials (IHMs), commonly known as green passports, in ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates. These IHMs serve as a comprehensive record of hazardous materials on board ships, facilitating safe and environmentally sound recycling practices.
Mr Janssens underscores a pressing concern: the alarming rate of noncompliance revealed by recent studies.
Despite efforts to enforce regional regulations like the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), the global shipping industry demands a unified approach.
The imminent enforcement of the HKC promises to establish a cohesive global framework, fostering compliance and fostering a level playing field across international waters.
Moreover, Janssens explores innovative strategies to enhance the efficacy of IHMs, envisioning them as catalysts for the circular economy. By meticulously cataloguing materials and waste streams, IHMs can optimise recycling processes, minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation.
This holistic approach extends beyond hazardous materials to encompass non-hazardous waste streams, aligning with broader sustainability objectives.
As the Responsible Ship Recycling Forum convenes, Mr Janssens’ insights will resonate as a clarion call for collaboration and innovation.
In navigating the complexities of ship recycling regulations, industry stakeholders must embrace the transformative potential of IHMs and embrace a unified vision for sustainable practices.
Only through concerted efforts can the maritime community chart a course towards a greener, more resilient future for ship recycling.
Riviera Maritime Media’s Responsible Ship Recycling Forum will be held in Brussels, 29 May 2024, click here for more information on this industry-leading event
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