Broad Steps involved in Green Ship recycling
The guidelines for green vessel recycling for all the vessels, no matter if they are all new or old, have been laid out by International Maritime Organisation. So, in this blog, we are going to talk about the broad steps that are involved in green recycling of ships and marine assets!
As per Hong Kong Convection and its guidelines, tanker recycling plan SRP, SOC and IRRC should be listed properly. In addition to this, a SRF monitoring programme should be properly mentioned.
Step 1 – Preparation of Inventory of Hazardous Materials – Part I, Part II and Part III
The inventory of hazardous materials should be thoroughly prepared by a trained and professional expert and that should cover all the substances that are listed in the rules and regulations (Resolution MEPC 269 (68))
Step 2 – Ship Specific Recycling plan development
Depending on the type of ship to be recycled, the Ship recycling facility prepares a specific ship recycling plan (MEPC.196 (62). The plan carefully considers the ships structure, types of hazardous materials and location of hazardous materials. Plan also includes disposal and recycling solutions for all kinds of materials in the IHM.
Step 3 – Recycling plan approval process
Competent National Authority designated by the member state reviews the Ship specific ship recycling plan submitted by the Ship recycling Facility and approves the plan after careful consideration of the ship, hazardous materials and facility’s recycling plan.
Step 4 – Ship Specific Recycling Plan
If so required, the ship specific recycling plan can be forwarded to the Sellers of the ship to assure them that the plan takes care of all the hazardous materials and that all necessary steps of recycling are properly specified and all the ship recycling challenges are properly addressed.
Step 5 – Final survey by class
Since Hong Kong Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (HKC) has not yet come into force, final survey by Class is not yet put into action many but once HKC comes into force, the final survey of the tanker shall be conducted before all the recycling activity starts. It is vital that the survey follows all the rules and regulations stated in MEPC. 222[64]. After successful completion of the survey, an IRCC is issued to the ship owner. All of the important documents that are required to be submitted for the survey are IHM, approved Ship specific recycling plan and a valid Statement of Compliance for the Ship Recycling Facility.
Step 6 – Commencement of Ship Recycling
Specified National authority of country receiving the ship for recycling will review the documents provided with application for approval of ship recycling and upon their satisfaction, issue permission to recycle the ship. Upon receiving of approval, Ship recycling Facility commences ship recycling as per Ship Specific Ship recycling plan.
Step 7 – Statement of Completion
Upon completion of entire ship recycling process, the SRF then issues a statement of completion with a report on all the accidents that can damage human lives and environment. This report is sent to Competent Authority for their records and confirmation of completion of ship recycling. If required by Ship Owner, the Completion of ship recycling report is also sent to Ship Owners.
