In May 2009, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the Hong Kong Convention on the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships which is supposed to close these loopholes. Guidelines supporting this Convention are being developed by the IMO. The Hong Kong Convention is not expected to enter into force before many years – no countries have currently ratified it.
In 2002, the BC adopted Technical Guidelines for the Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of the Full and Partial Dismantling of Ships , a document for countries that already have or are establishing ship dismantling facilities, describing how waste containment areas should be built.
In 1995, the Third Conference of Parties (COP 3) adopted an amendment to ban the export of wastes intended for recovery and recycling to developing countries. The ban has not entered into force because not enough Parties have agreed to ratify it.
The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) came forward in 1992 with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal that controls the international trade of hazardous wastes. The Basel Convention is relevant for ship dismantling, as a ship usually contains hazardous materials such as asbestos, PCBs, oil residues and other toxic substances.
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform is among a growing number of players worldwide that consider ships as toxic. The Basel Convention was signed by 176 Parties.
In the late 1980’s, waste scandals started to make headlines worldwide. Developing nations were victims of trafficking of waste sent from richer countries. The situation has worsened today with waste production showing no sign of weakening.
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