As the marine industry enters a new era of sustainability and regulatory accountability, shipbuilders around the world are preparing for a transformative milestone the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) on June 26, 2025. Central to this change is the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) , which will no longer be optionality will be the standard.
What Is IHM and Why It Matters
The HKC is designed to regulate ship recycling with the goal of minimizing environmental harm and ensuring worker safety. At the heart of this framework is the IHM, a document that details hazardous substances found in the ship’s structure, equipment, and stores.
For newly built vessels, this means mandatory IHM certification either through an International Certificate on IHM (ICIHM) or a Statement of Compliance (SoC IHM), depending on the ship’s flag state. These requirements apply from the contract stage or keel-laying and must be aligned with renewal surveys starting in June 2025, with complete harmonization expected by 2030.
Failure to comply could result in delays, detentions, or even prohibition from entering HKC party-state waters.
What Shipbuilders Need to Know
From documentation to inspections, the preparation process is multi-layered:
- Collect Material Declarations (MDs) and Supplier Declarations of Conformity (SDoCs) from manufacturers.
- Assess these documents to identify any hazardous materials.
- Conduct onboard inspections to verify presence and location.
- Compile the findings into IHM Part I, the core submission for compliance.
This is not just a box-checking exercise it’s a strategic shift that impacts the design, construction, and future recyclability of marine vessels.
How Industry Leaders Are Responding
Forward-looking companies aren’t just reacting they’re evolving. Many are integrating digital tools like 3D scanning, digital twins, and IoT systems to streamline IHM preparation and ship lifecycle monitoring. These tools not only ensure smoother compliance but also reduce operational costs and improve safety margins.
Sustainability is also shaping procurement choices. A growing number of specialized builders such as those offering aluminium barge manufacturing or tug construction in the UAE are leveraging lighter, eco-friendly materials while meeting regulatory demands. For example, several barge builders in the UAE have already begun embedding IHM protocols into their material sourcing and construction processes.
A Sustainable Horizon for Marine Construction
Environmental responsibility is no longer a secondary concern it’s built into the blueprint. With regulations like the HKC and IHM requirements, the industry is moving toward cleaner ship dismantling, safer working conditions, and greener vessel designs.
This shift is also affecting niche sectors. Companies that were once traditional aluminum tug builders are now becoming frontrunners in eco-compliant design. Tug builders in the UAE, in particular, are blending craftsmanship with compliance by adopting safer coatings and non-toxic materials during construction.
Similarly, some of the top barge building companies are embedding IHM strategies as early as the design phase. Aluminium tug manufacturers are proactively working with suppliers to ensure that MDs and SDoCs are provided up front, reducing delays in certification and offering clients a clear compliance roadmap.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 enforcement of the HKC is more than just another regulation it’s a signal. A signal that shipbuilding is changing, and only those who adapt will thrive. Whether you’re a large shipyard or a niche aluminum barge builder, understanding and implementing IHM requirements today will shape your relevance tomorrow.
In an industry defined by tides of change, compliance is no longer a finish line it’s the starting point.
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