Guidelines for registration and safe recycling of ships under the Liberian flag

Eda Zenic -

On 27 August 2024, the Liberia Maritime Authority issued a notice outlining the procedures and requirements for ships that are registered under the Liberian flag and are preparing for their final voyage to a designated environmentally sound ship recycling facility, as part of the "Green Ship Recycling Program." This initiative aligns with international environmental standards, particularly the Hong Kong Convention, which sets out guidelines for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships.

Purpose:

The notice aims to establish a clear framework for the registration and cancellation of ships that are sold for recycling. The goal is to ensure that these ships are dismantled in a manner that is safe for both the workers involved and the surrounding environment, in line with international standards.

Background:

When ships are sold for recycling, they often contain hazardous materials like asbestos, heavy metals, and other toxic substances that can pose significant health risks and environmental hazards if not handled properly. The Liberian Administration, having ratified the Hong Kong Convention, is proactively implementing this "Green Ship Recycling" Program before the Convention fully comes into force. This program is intended to ensure that ships under the Liberian flag, which are nearing the end of their operational life, are recycled at facilities that are equipped to do so in an environmentally responsible manner.

Applicability:

This notice applies to all ships registered under the Liberian flag that are set to undertake their final voyage to a Green Ship Recycling Facility. These facilities must be authorized by a competent authority and must operate in compliance with the Hong Kong Convention and the Ship Recycling Plan.

Registration Requirements:

Eligibility: Ships can be registered or re-registered under the Liberian flag for a final voyage to a Green Ship Recycling Facility. This registration is valid for a maximum of three months.

Documentation: To register a ship for its last voyage, several documents must be provided:

  1. The name and location of the recycling facility.
  2. Authorization documents from the facility indicating it is authorized to perform recycling.
  3. Confirmation from the facility that the ship has been accepted for recycling.
  4. An approved Ship Recycling Plan (SRP).
  5. An Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) as required by the Hong Kong Convention.
  6. A statement from the facility confirming adherence to environmentally sound recycling procedures.
  7. An International Ready for Recycling Certificate after the final survey, required from June 26, 2025.

Flag Transfer Requirements: Ships transferring to the Liberian flag specifically for this final voyage are subject to a pre-registration inspection and must obtain approval from the Administration.

Issuance of Certificates: Once registered, the ship will be issued a Provisional Certificate of Registry, valid for three months. This certificate allows the ship to reach the designated recycling facility but does not permit it to be used for commercial purposes, except under specific circumstances.

Extension of Registration: In exceptional cases, such as force majeure, the Provisional Certificate of Registry may be extended for an additional three months. However, this extension will not allow for any commercial use of the ship.

Cancellation of Registration:

The ship’s registration under the Liberian flag will be canceled once recycling has commenced. The cancellation process involves submitting a Bill of Sale or equivalent document (if applicable) and a statement from the recycling facility confirming that the ship has arrived and will be dismantled according to the required environmental standards.

This notice ensures that the final phase of a ship’s life is managed responsibly, prioritizing environmental protection and worker safety.