Pollution from EOLV dismantling and the corresponding countermeasures

• Status of the EOLV
• Marine environmental pollution caused by EOLV and the related factors
• Legal issues of EOLV dismantling
• Coping preventive strategies for marine pollution caused by EOLV dismantling

There are problems associated with dismantling vessels that have reached the end of their life, when pollution problems associated with the process need to be addressed. The first problem in “end-of-life vessels” (EOLV) is to define their legal frameworks. The second problem is their dismantlement for recycling of ships. In order to reduce the effects of pollution caused by EOLV dismantling, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Hong Kong Convention on 15 May 2009. While preparing for implementing the obligations under the Hong Kong Convention, China shall make effort on five aspects: (i) establish an ISRT for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, (ii) improve the competitiveness of ship dismantling plants, (iii) strengthen international exchanges, (iv) amend the domestic laws and regulations, and (v) support from the China Classification Society.