On 26 June 2025, the United Arab Emirates announced the entry into force of its Ship Recycling Regulation (UAE SRR). The regulation was prepared in alignment with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which also took effect on the same day. The main goal is to ensure that ship recycling operations are conducted in a controlled, environmentally sound, and safe manner.
The regulation strictly prohibits ship recycling through beaching or landing methods. Only dry docks or equivalent facilities will be permitted. In this regard, the UAE SRR imposes stricter standards compared to current EU regulations.
This move is not limited to UAE-flagged vessels. All foreign-flagged ships recycled within UAE territory also fall under the scope of the regulation. Consequently, both domestic and international shipowners must comply with the new rules.
IHM requirement and facility obligations
A core element of the UAE SRR is the mandatory Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). All UAE-flagged ships constructed after 26 June 2025 must carry an IHM detailing the hazardous materials onboard and their quantities. For existing vessels, the deadline for compliance is 26 June 2030. However, obtaining the IHM prior to decommissioning is also permitted.
This process is not limited to documentation alone. Shipowners are required to develop a plan based on visual inspections and material sampling, in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines.
The regulation also places obligations on ship recycling facilities. These facilities must meet specific standards in environmental protection, occupational safety, and waste management. This points to an increase in inspections and tighter oversight across the sector.
UAE’s position is also strategic. Located on the route to major recycling destinations in South Asia, the UAE is becoming a key checkpoint. Not only vessels recycled in UAE, but also those transiting its ports may be subject to increased scrutiny.
Global standards reinforced with the Hong Kong Convention
The Hong Kong Convention, which also entered into force on 26 June 2025, sets legally binding international standards for ship recycling with a focus on environmental and worker safety. Developed under the leadership of the IMO, the convention covers everything from ship design and operation to recycling facility standards and enforcement mechanisms.
It also restricts or bans the use of hazardous substances such as asbestos and ozone-depleting materials, while requiring detailed inventories from shipowners.
Together, the UAE SRR and the HKC mark a turning point for the global ship recycling industry. Stricter rules and broader responsibilities now apply not only to shipowners, but also to recycling facilities and flag states. This new era signals a shift toward sustainability, safety, and transparency across the sector.
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