The recycling of ships act 2019: prospects for a sustainable ship recycling in india /

Abstract

The topic of ship recycling was debated on account of its adverse effects on the environment and also on account of its impact on the safety and health of the workers, although as a commercial activity, it contributes second-hand steel and ensures employment to the workers. International organisations like IMO and ILO have deliberated on the need to frame appropriate regulations to monitor and supervise ship recycling operations, and Hong Kong Convention 2009 is an important initiative in this direction. The Recycling of Ships Act 2019 passed by India, the second-largest ship recycling nation, points towards the commitment of the nation to make the recycling operations labour friendly and environmentally accountable. However, the Act was criticised on grounds of its undue reliance on the Hong Kong Convention and also on a host of other loopholes and inadequate provisions. The present paper highlights the relevance of the Act and examines its provisions critically while emphasising the need to re-examine certain clauses, as the nation is expecting an increase in the number of ships arriving for recycling consequent to the passing of the Act 2019.)