The Cyprus Shipping Chamber welcomes the entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, which will become effective as of today, 26 June 2025. This Convention represents the first global legal framework that ensures ships are recycled safely and sustainably, with positives effects on human health, safety and the environment.

The Shipping Chamber has consistently supported the adoption and implementation of the Hong Kong Convention, recognising that for a truly global industry like Shipping, it is vital to have unified international regulations with regard to ship recycling. A harmonised framework further strengthens safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance across all regions ensuring that recycling practices are carried out under controlled and safe conditions.

With the Convention now officially entering into force and acknowledging the progress made over the past 16 years since its adoption by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Chamber considers it essential that the European Commission expands the European List of Approved Recycling Facilities to include any facility that meets the Convention’s requirements. This will help ensure a level playing field for EU-flagged ships at the end of their operational life, as the current EU List is limited in number and geographic coverage and cannot adequately meet the needs of the global Shipping Industry.