RECYCLECON revision: a step towards sustainable ship recycling

Published: 19 September 2024

As the global shipping industry shifts towards more sustainable practices, ensuring compliance with international regulations becomes increasingly crucial. With the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships set to enter into force, BIMCO has decided to revise the RECYCLECON contract.

With the Hong Kong Convention scheduled to come into force on 26 June 2025, BIMCO has embarked on a comprehensive revision of its RECYCLECON contract, initially published in 2012. RECYCLECON was designed to facilitate the environmentally responsible and safe sale of ships for recycling, and this revision aims to ensure that the contract aligns with the new regulatory landscape while adapting to evolving industry practices.

BIMCO has established the subcommittee tasked with the revision of RECYCLECON, comprising of shipowners, recycling facilities, brokers, and legal experts, to create a flexible yet comprehensive contract that caters to the diverse operational needs of the ship recycling sector. Optional clauses addressing region-specific regulations, such as the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, will also be considered for inclusion in the revised form to allow users to tailor the contract to their regional requirements.

In addition to the Chairperson Peter Laurijssen (Euronav/CMB), the drafting team consists of the following experts: Melissa Cacciotti (MSC), Dimitris Ayvatoglu (Leyal Ship Recycling), Julien Defurne (Altera), Anthia Savvidou (GMS), Darren Lepper (Clarksons), Mark Johnson (Hill Dickinson), William MacLachlan (HFW) and Gudrun Janssens (BIMCO).

The subcommittee started its work this summer and has already had two meetings online where they have explored key issues like deposit placement practices and the interplay between the Basel and Hong Kong Conventions. The aim is to develop a globally applicable contract, with optional provisions that can address specific regional concerns.

Looking ahead, the subcommittee plans to continue engaging with stakeholders through consultations. With its global focus and adaptability, the updated RECYCLECON will offer the ship recycling industry a practical and compliant standard for safe and sustainable recycling in the years to come.

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