Agreement on safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships: Hong Kong Convention
Official title: Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention)
- Subject category:
- Marine / Oceans
- Type of agreement / instrument:
- Multilateral
- Form:
- Legally-binding treaty
- Status:
- The Hong Kong Convention came into force internationally on June 26, 2025
- Canada has not ratified this agreement. It is not in force in Canada
- The Convention was adopted on May 15, 2009 at a diplomatic conference held in Hong Kong, China. As of June 2025, 24 member states have acceded to the Hong Kong Convention. This represents approximately 57.15% of world merchant shipping by gross tonnage
- Lead & partner departments:
- Lead:
- Transport Canada
- Partners:
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, Health Canada, Global Affairs Canada
- For further information:
- Web links:
- International Maritime Organization
- Contacts:
- Transport Canada Enquiry Centre
- Compendium edition:
- February 2022 (this page was updated in September 2025)
- Reference #:
- A55/EN
Plain language summary
Ship recycling is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of ships that are no longer in use. Most parts of a ship can be reused or recycled. However, if ship recycling is not done safely and with strong labour and environmental standards, it can be very dangerous for workers and harmful to the environment.
The Hong Kong Convention sets rules to reduce the environmental impact of ship recycling and to protect the health and safety of workers around the world.
Objective
The Hong Kong Convention aims to ensure that ships being recycled do not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, or the environment.
Key elements & expected results
The Hong Kong Convention addresses major issues related to ship recycling. This includes concerns about ships sold for scrap that may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and ozone-depleting substances. It also responds to poor working and environmental conditions found in some of the world’s ship recycling facilities.
The Convention’s text was developed over three and a half years, with input from International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States and relevant non-governmental organizations. It was created in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the Parties to the Basel Convention.
The Convention includes regulations covering:
- The design, construction, operation, and preparation of ships to ensure they can be safely and environmentally soundly recycled, without affecting their safety or performance during use
- The safe and environmentally sound operation of ship recycling facilities
- The creation of enforcement systems, including certification and reporting requirements, to make sure rules are followed
Canada’s involvement
Canada took part in developing the Hong Kong Convention and attended the Diplomatic Conference where it was adopted.
While Canada has not ratified the Convention, Transport Canada leads the Canadian delegation in International Maritime Organization (IMO) discussions on its implementation.
Results / progress
Activities
Canada supports the overall goals of the Hong Kong Convention and is exploring ways to strengthen its national ship recycling framework. This includes reviewing the Convention’s requirements and considering international best practices.
Reports
Canada’s activities are documented in the proceedings of the IMO Councils and Committee Meetings. These documents are available on the IMO website.