The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019
📜 The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019
✅ Objective of the Act
The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 was enacted to regulate the recycling of ships in India, ensuring environmentally sound and safe recycling practices. The Act aligns India’s ship recycling activities with international standards, promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.
🧾 Background
Ship recycling involves dismantling ships at the end of their operational life to recover steel and other materials.
Unsafe and polluting ship recycling practices cause environmental hazards and occupational risks.
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention) sets global standards.
India ratified this Convention and enacted the Recycling of Ships Act to implement these standards domestically.
📌 Key Provisions
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope | Applies to all ships, including Indian-flagged ships and ships recycled in India. |
| Ship Recycling Facilities | Licensing and regulation of ship recycling yards in India to ensure compliance with safety and environmental norms. |
| Ship Recycling Plan | Owners must submit a Ship Recycling Plan before recycling, detailing the process and safety measures. |
| Inventory of Hazardous Materials | Ships must carry an inventory of hazardous materials onboard, to be managed during recycling. |
| Environmental and Safety Standards | Facilities must follow prescribed procedures to prevent pollution and protect workers. |
| Competent Authority | Designated authority responsible for regulation, inspection, and enforcement under the Act. |
| Penalties | Penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment for serious violations. |
| Certification | Ships must have certificates verifying compliance before and after recycling. |
| International Compliance | Aligns with Hong Kong Convention to ensure global standards. |
⚖️ Legal and Regulatory Impact
Ensures safe and environmentally sound ship recycling in India.
Protects workers’ health and safety in shipbreaking yards.
Helps India maintain its status as a responsible ship recycling nation.
Facilitates compliance with international maritime environmental obligations.
📊 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Act Name | Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 |
| Date Enacted | 8 January 2019 |
| Purpose | Regulate ship recycling with environmental and safety standards |
| Scope | Indian-flagged ships and ship recycling facilities in India |
| Key Features | Licensing, Ship Recycling Plan, hazardous material inventory, safety standards |
| Regulatory Authority | Designated competent authority |
| Penalties | Fines and imprisonment for violations |
| International Link | Implements Hong Kong International Convention |
🎯 Significance
Promotes sustainable ship recycling, reducing environmental pollution.
Enhances occupational safety in shipbreaking yards.
Supports India’s maritime industry’s environmental compliance.
Aligns India with global maritime environmental governance. Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
RELATED Blog
0 comments