The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) welcomed the ratification of the Hong Kong Convention on Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling by Bangladesh, one of the leading countries in ship recycling facilities.

In addition, the chamber said that it is calling on the European Union (EU) to pave the way for harmonized ship recycling facilities in line with the Convention.

“The ratification of the convention by Bangladesh, one of the major players in ship recycling facilities, significantly contributes to meeting the criteria for its entry into force and, consequently, to the modernisation of global practices in safe and sustainable ship recycling, with positive impacts on human health, safety, and the environment,” the Cyprus Shipping Chamber stated.

With the Hong Kong Convention officially in effect and recognising the progress made over the past 14 years since its approval by the International Maritime Organisation, the chamber “considers it imperative for the European Commission to include in the European list of approved recycling facilities those that meet the requirements of the convention”.

This will create a level playing field, according to the Chamber, for ships flagged under EU states that are now obligated to be recycled in a limited number of recycling facilities included in the EU list, which is insufficient to meet the demand and geographic spread required by a globalised industry like shipping.

Source: The Cyprus Mail