SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 13: Climate Action
Institutions: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways | Directorate General of Shipping
The International Maritime Organization reports that major ship-recycling countries, especially in South Asia, are advancing compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) through safer yard upgrades, broader adoption of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), and improved hazardous-waste and worker-safety systems. IMO technical-cooperation projects are supporting the development of inspection, certification and monitoring capacity ahead of the HKC’s full entry into force in 2025.
Improving Port Efficiency Through Real-Time Port-Call-Data Sharing: An IMO-supported pilot in Namibia demonstrates how real-time port-call-data exchange can cut vessel idle-time, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and streamline port operations. By integrating port authorities, terminals, pilots, tugs and ship operators on a unified digital platform, the initiative advances IMO’s Just-In-Time arrival model for greener and more predictable port logistics.
Broader Regional Maritime-Governance Significance: Both developments reflect a wider governance shift toward safer recycling, digitalised port systems and climate-aligned maritime operations. They underline the need for capacity-building in developing maritime economies and reinforce IMO’s strategy to link environmental protection, circular-economy principles and operational efficiency across the shipping sector.
For India—home to major ship-recycling clusters and several high-traffic ports—the updates highlight the urgency of accelerating HKC-compliant yard certification, strengthening hazardous-waste management and worker safety, and adopting Just-In-Time port-call protocols. Aligning with IMO’s digital-port standards can improve logistics efficiency, reduce emissions and support India’s Blue Economy and Green Shipping ambitions.
The IMO updates spotlight global standards that directly influence India’s maritime competitiveness and environmental stewardship. Advancing HKC compliance strengthens India’s position as a responsible ship-recycling nation, while port-data digitalisation aligns with national goals to improve port efficiency, lower emissions and modernise logistics under the Maritime India Vision 2030.
What is the Hong Kong Convention?→ The HKC is an IMO treaty setting global standards for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, requiring certified facilities, regulated dismantling processes and verified hazardous-materials inventories.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India upgrade ship-recycling and port operations without pricing out smaller operators or disrupting coastal-economy livelihoods?
Follow the full update here: Advancing green and sustainable ship recycling in Asia