Cabinet Approves Recycling of Ships Bill – 2019

On 20^th November, 2019, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for enactment of Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019 as well as accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009. It aims to provide boost to the ship-wrecking industry in India

• When the Hong Kong International Convention comes into force, its provisions will be implemented under the provisions of the Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019 and rules and regulations framed there under.
• Ships shall be recycled in accordance with a ship-specific recycling plan. Ships to be recycled in India shall be required to obtain a Ready for Recycling Certificate in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC).
• It restricts and prohibits the use or installation of hazardous material, which applies irrespective of whether a ship is meant for recycling or not. Ships shall be surveyed and certified on the inventory of hazardous material used in ships.
• For new ships, such restriction on use of hazardous material will be immediate, that is, from the date the legislation comes into force, while existing ships shall have a period of five years for compliance.