Green development of the industry is imperative

On June 26, 2025, theHong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009(hereinafter referred to as theHong Kong Convention), adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will formally enter into force. This landmark international regulation not only signifies the global maritime industry's entry into a new era of holistic environmental management throughout ships' lifecycle but also imposes revolutionary requirements across the entire industrial chain—from ship design, construction, and operation to dismantling. As marine equipment suppliers, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the Convention's core provisions and proactively invest in eco-friendly technological advancements to align with these evolving global standards.

Impact on the shipping industry

Shipbuilding: Shipyards must comply with the Convention's prohibition of hazardous materials listed in Annex 1, rescreen suppliers, promote green transformation of the industrial chain, while facing increased costs, extended R&D cycles, and elevated technical/management standards.

Ship Operation: Shipowners must develop and maintain a Hazardous Materials Inventory, prohibit the use of prohibited substances in operations/maintenance, accept increased management complexity/costs, and strengthen crew training and institutional capacity-building.

Ship Repair: Repair enterprises face rising costs due to banned materials and development of eco-friendly alternatives, while needing to install testing equipment, train personnel, establish procedural protocols, and bear higher operational/technical burdens.

Ship Recycling: Recycling facilities must obtain approved certifications, formulate management plans and emergency response protocols, provide training/protective measures, standardize hazardous material disposal, enhance environmental/safety standards, and drive standardized/professional development of the sector.

Take the lead in layout and support compliance

Compliance with Environmental Standards: Our company's textile curtains, rubber flooring, PVC flooring, and other products are manufactured using materials that fully meet environmental standards, free from hazardous substances restricted by theHong Kong Convention, such as asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The utilization of such eco-friendly materials in shipbuilding and outfitting effectively prevents inspection failures due to non-compliant materials, thereby mitigating risks for shipowners during material selection.

Supporting Environmental Compliance: With the enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention, the maritime industry's demand for eco-friendly materials is steadily increasing. Our company proactively addresses this need by consistently providing high-quality products that adhere to environmental standards. Taking our textile products as an example, we implement rigorous material selection processes, carefully sourcing materials that comply with international environmental regulations and exclude any substances prohibited by the Hong Kong Convention. These products not only meet the requirements of the EU's REACH regulations but have also successfully passed all relevant certifications.

The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention will accelerate the transformation of the maritime industry. As a key participant in this sector, we recognize that integrating environmental compliance into product competitiveness is essential to secure a leading position in the emerging landscape of green shipping. Our company remains committed to advancing research and development in eco-friendly technologies, empowering our clients to achieve both regulatory compliance and business success. Opting for products that meet the Convention's standards is not merely a commercial choice—it is a pledge to protect our marine environment and fulfill corporate social responsibility.