On June 18, 2026, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) of India issued Order 17 of 2026, facilitating the implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, on Indian flag vessels. This order underscores the country’s commitment to enhance safety and environmental standards in the recycling of ships.
The Mandate
The DGS Order follows earlier directives laid out in DGS Order No. 6 of 2013, which established comprehensive procedural requirements for statutory surveys and certifications for Indian flag ships. The current order highlights the obligations of recognized organizations (ROs) authorized by the Government of India to conduct mandatory surveys under international conventions.
Significantly, the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention on Indian ships mandates the maintenance of an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and requires ongoing compliance checks including surveys and certifications. This creates a regulatory framework for ensuring that vessels are recycled in a manner that is safe and environmentally responsible, aligning with global best practices.
Regulatory Framework and Industry Goals
The adoption of the Hong Kong Convention aligns with India’s national objectives, particularly following the notification of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, and subsequent regulations that came into effect earlier this year. These legislative measures are part of a broader governmental strategy to harness domestic capabilities in shipbuilding and marine equipment manufacturing, exemplified by the Make in India initiative.
Furthermore, India’s Maritime Vision documents lay ambitious targets aimed at elevating the country’s status within the global shipbuilding sector. The government aims to position India among the top shipbuilding nations by 2030 and 2047, thus strengthening its maritime self-reliance and boosting the economy.
The Operational Read
The operational landscape for Indian shipowners and operators is shifting with the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention. Compliance with international standards regarding ship recycling has become essential, particularly as it pertains to environmental management and hazardous material inventorying. The Indian Register of Shipping’s role in certifying compliance will help enhance the credibility of India’s maritime industry on the global stage. Shipping companies must prepare for increased scrutiny of their recycling practices while ensuring that their vessels meet the new regulatory requirements ahead of recycling. The integration of safety and environmental considerations into the end-of-life management of ships not only reflects broader industry trends but also indicates a rigorous approach to maritime governance, vital for the sustainable development of India’s maritime sector.
