Exam Question
Q9
Discuss the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. What is its significance for India, and how does India's shipbreaking industry stand to benefit or be impacted by its implementation?(16)
Class 1 (Chief Engineer)
Engineering Management
📅 Mar 2026
Reference Answer
### Introduction to the Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
The **International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention or HKC)**, is a multilateral convention adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its primary objective is to establish a global regulatory framework to ensure that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety, and the environment.
The convention addresses the entire lifecycle of a ship, from its design and construction to its operation and final disposal. It places responsibilities and obligations on all stakeholders, including shipowners, ship recycling facilities, flag states, and recycling states.
### Key Features and Requirements of the HKC
The **International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention or HKC)**, is a multilateral convention adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its primary objective is to establish a global regulatory framework to ensure that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety, and the environment.
The convention addresses the entire lifecycle of a ship, from its design and construction to its operation and final disposal. It places responsibilities and obligations on all stakeholders, including shipowners, ship recycling facilities, flag states, and recycling states.
### Key Features and Requirements of the HKC
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