The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019

On 20th 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.

  • The Recycling of Ships Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 13th December, 2019.
  • The act restricts the use of hazardous material on ships and regulates the recycling of ships.

Key Provisions: Scope: It will apply to:

  • any new or existing ship which is registered in India,
  • ships entering a port, terminal or the territorial waters of India, any warship, or other ship owned and operated by an administration and used on government non-commercial service, and ship recycling facilities operating in India.
  • Defining Ship Recycling: The act defines ship recycling as the dismantling of a ship at a facility to recover the components and materials for reuse, and taking care of the hazardous material so produced. It includes associated operations such as storage and treatment of materials and components on site
  • Recycling Facilities: Ships will be recycled only in authorised recycling facilities. Each Ship Recycler must maintain adequate measures for emergency preparedness and response, safety, health, training, and welfare of workers as per the Factories Act, 1948. It must also provide insurance coverage for the regular and temporary workers.

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