Canada Signs International Ship Recycling Convention

Ship recycling Convention applies to ships over 500 gross tonnage that are delivered for recycling.

OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, today announced that the Government of Canada has signed the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009. Canada and 58 other members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Convention at a diplomatic conference held in Hong Kong from May 11 to 15, 2009.

The ship recycling Convention will protect workers and the environment by setting international rules to manage hazardous materials in ships over their operating lives and a clear legal means to manage ships at the end of their lives.

"The Government of Canada welcomes the adoption of this international Convention, which is a significant step forward in protecting workers involved in ship recycling," said Minister Baird. "It also protects the environment by limiting the release of hazardous materials used in the building and dismantling of ships."

The ship recycling Convention applies to ships over 500 gross tonnage that are delivered for recycling. It includes regulations for the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships for safe and environmentally sound recycling. The Convention also requires ship recycling facilities to operate safely and in an environmentally responsible way, and establishes an enforcement mechanism for ship recycling, incorporating certification and reporting requirements.