As a result of reactive IMO actions, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound
Recycling of Ships was adopted in 2009. The Convention is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after
reaching the end of their operational lives; do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment
(Fig. 4). The Hong Kong Convention intends to address all the issues around ship recycling, including the fact that ships
sold for scrapping may contain environmentally hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozonedepleting
substances and others. It also addresses concerns raised about the working and environmental conditions at many
of the world ship recycling locations.
Shipping moves over 80% of the world commodities. Ballast water is essential for safe ship operation, balance and
stability. Serious environmental problems occur when ballast contains marine life. The problem is compounded as most
marine species have microscopic life cycle stages. Non-native species are considered the second greatest threat to
biodiversity after habitat destruction. Many non-native species are capable of causing significant ecological, economic or
human health impacts.
The ballast exchange at the deep ocean is the most practical approach to minimizing the introduction of aquatic species
from ballast. Therefore, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and
Sediments was adopted at IMO in 2004. The Convention will require all ships to implement a Ballast Water and Sediments
Management Plan. All ships will have to carry a Ballast Water Record Book and will be required to carry out ballast water
management procedures to a given standard. Moreover, it includes general recommendations for current new buildings:
minimize use of ballast water,
design for efficient flushing,
minimize uptake of sediments,
facilitate removal of sediments,
prepare for delivery of ballast water to shore facilities,
prepare space for later installation of ballast water treatments systems