1. Japan calls for actions towards the early entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention
Shin Imai
Director for International Negotiations Office,
Ocean Development and Environment Policy Division, Maritime Bureau
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
Japan
May 2019

2. Japan’s accession to the Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
Japan acceded the HKC on 27 March 2019
Why?
The HKC is:
Crucially important for the entire maritime industry;
Almost ready for implementation; and
In need of the momentum towards its early entry into force.

3. Importance of the HKC
Readiness for implementation
Momentum towards the early entry into force

4. Importance of the HKC
The Hong Kong Convention (HKC) is essential not only for the safety and environmental protection in ship recycling but also for the sustainable development of maritime industry, through securing the smooth withdrawal of old ships.
Shipping is an international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations are implemented on a global basis.
Given the importance of the HKC, Japan has contributed to:
Development of the HKC and the related guidelines; and
Improvement of the yards in South Asia.

5. Importance of the HKC
Readiness for implementation
Momentum towards the early entry into force

6. Japan’s actions for the yard improvement
Japan’s basic position regarding ship recycle is, “to enhance safety and environment protection, while securing enough capacity”.
To this end, Japan is supporting the improvement of the yards in major ship recycling countries.
Promotion of international cooperation
(e.g. 80 Million USD ODA Loan for the upgradation of the yards in India)
Government of Japan
Issuance of Statement of Compliance (SOC) in accordance with the HKC
(32 yards in the world (as of May 2019))
Developing a guidance and roadmap to prepare for the HKC in Bangladesh
Giving a priority on the HKC compliant yards
Visiting the yards regularly in South Asia and providing technical cooperation
Financial assistance to establish a training center for the workers
Federation of Basic Industry Workers' Unions

7. Positive movements in the private sector
Currently, ship owners which consider environment protection prioritize to use a HKC compliant yard.
It is encouraging yard managers to invest in upgrading their yards since they recognize that the improved yards can enjoy more business opportunities.
Due to this positive cycle, the improvement of yards have been significantly progressed.
This progress should be widely and correctly understood globally

8. Progress of the yard improvement
The ship recycling yards in South Asia have been significantly improved. Many improved yards are recycling ships in safe and environmentally friendly manner, in accordance with the HKC.
Before (1990’s)
After
Ship recycling yards in India
The HKC is almost ready for implementation

9. Importance of the HKC
Readiness for implementation
Momentum towards the early entry into force

10. The role of IMO and its Member States
The role of the IMO and its Member States is to send a clear signal where we are heading for, so that the industry can make an investment decision to address the regulation.
In this regard, If the IMO Member States show their serious attitude towards the early entry into force of the HKC, the industry will accelerate the investment to comply with the HKC.
Otherwise, the industry will lose motivation to comply with the HKC.

11. Increased momentum towards the early entry into force
In 2019, the 10th anniversary of the HKC which was adopted in 2009, Five IMO Member States including Japan concluded the HKC.
Jan. 2019
Feb. 2019
Mar. 2019
Mar. 2019
Apr. 2019
Major ship recycling countries (i.e. Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey) which are key to the entry into force of the HKC, are showing positive signals.

12. Japan calls for actions
To maintain and accelerate the momentum, Japan calls for the IMO Member States to conclude the HKC at their earliest opportunity.
Now is time to take action!

13. Conclusion
The HKC is essential not only for the safety and environmental protection but also for the sustainable development of maritime industry, through securing the smooth withdrawal of old ships.
The improvement of yards have been significantly progressed and the HKC is almost ready for implementation.
Five IMO Member States including Japan concluded the HKC this year. In addition, Major ship recycling countries are showing positive signals.
To increase the momentum towards the early entry into force of the HKC, Japan calls for the IMO Member States to conclude the HKC at their earliest opportunity.