Abstract The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (hereinafter "HKC"), adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009, seeks to regulate ship recycling with an emphasis on minimizing adverse effects on human health and the environment. This article examines the core provisions of the HKC, the phased implementation schedule beginning in 2025, and the legal and operational challenges posed by overlapping frameworks such as the Basel Convention (hereinafter "BC"). Special attention is given to the obligations placed on shipowners and recycling facilities, the enforcement mechanisms provided through certification and inspection, and the efforts within the maritime industry to harmonize conflicting regulatory requirements. As the HKC enters into force, the international community faces a critical juncture in ensuring sustainable ship recycling practices through robust compliance and cooperative governance.
M. Costa De França (Tue,) studied this question.