Now is the time to ensure active IHM compliance. If your fleet trades internationally and sails under a flag that has ratified HKC, compliance is now a defined obligation. If you operate under a flag like Panama, Liberia or the Marshall Islands, this may be the first time the Convention applies to you in full.
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) applies to any ship entering the waters of a country that has ratified the convention. This means that even ships flying the flag of states not party to HKC has to comply.
🔗 Metizoft helps you stay ahead of regulations, so you don’t pay the price later.
The Convention introduces global minimum standards for safer, cleaner ship recycling. For shipowners, the core requirements are:
Your flag state, class society and port state authorities will all be involved in verifying compliance. The systems you have in place now will determine how smooth that process is later.
IHM maintenance
The IHM isn’t just a one-time report. It must be kept current as equipment is replaced or materials change. We still see vessels sailing with outdated IHMs that don’t reflect recent installations. This increases the risk of detention once port inspections focus more consistently on HKC.
Yard authorisation
From June, you need to prove that the recycling yard receiving your vessel is HKC-authorised. Not all facilities have completed the process yet. If you're planning to recycle in South Asia or under time pressure, this needs early attention.
Final survey and documentation
Recycling a ship under HKC is a regulated process. You’ll need an updated IHM (including Part II and III), a ship-specific recycling plan, and a final class approved survey. That means lead time, coordination and paperwork. It can’t be done on short notice.
Fleet-wide coordination
If you manage multiple vessels, IHM tracking and renewal can get complex fast. The bigger your fleet, the more important it is to have oversight and systems in place.
Verify each vessel has a valid and up to date IHM certificate
Fix any red flags found in the latest inspection or internal check
If a vessel may be recycled, confirm the yard is HKC authorised and align with class on the final survey
Book an IHM consult
Use this plan to stabilise the fleet process and stay inspection-ready.
Close IHM gaps and record routines in the management system
Assign a responsible person and align survey timing with class
Start a simple fleet tracker with certificate dates and maintenance status
Make supplier documentation flow reliably into your inventory and log changes
Train superintendents and crew on what triggers an IHM update
Prepare documents for any vessel that may move toward recycling
Review the fleet tracker with management and resolve open actions
Confirm owners for ongoing maintenance across the fleet
For vessels near end of life, check final survey readiness with class
Metizoft provides practical support for HKC compliance across your fleet:
We’ve worked with shipowners since the earliest IHM mandates came into effect. Our team includes hazmat experts, compliance advisors and recycling supervisors with real operational experience. We handle the technical detail so your vessels can keep moving.
✔︎ 20 years of maritime compliance expertise
✔︎ Digital tools for IHM tracking and version control
✔︎ On-site verification during recycling
✔︎ Final survey coordination and documentation
✔︎ Trusted by major ship owners globally
✔︎ Metizoft-supported vessels consistently pass IHM inspections without compliance issues.
The Hong Kong Convention will be enforced through flag states, class societies and port inspections. Non-compliance can mean fines, delays or reputational risk.