Know what's inside your ship: Inventory of Hazardous Materials for fleet in service

Facing the challenge:

In 2013 the “Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009” adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is expected to come into force. The aim is to minimise, in the most effective, efficient and sustainable way, the environmental and occupational health risks of ship recycling.

A fundamental requirement of the Convention is the documentation of hazardous materials on the vessel. New and existing ships of 500 GT and above will have to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and the related International Certificate of Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) onboard. Approx. 50,000 existing ships have to obtain the ICIHM within five years, newbuildings from the beginning of their operational life.

Benefits of early compliance:

• Being in line with future legal regulations
• Realise a higher resale value
• Achieve high standard
• Maintain image as a green company
• Avoid the upcoming rush for compliance
• Prepare for earlier regional implementation (e.g. EU)

IHM for fleet in service:

The inventory quantifies and locates hazardous materials onboard ships which are known to represent a potential hazard to people and the environment. For assuring safe and environmentally friendly handling of these materials detailed documentation of those materials in ship’s structure and equipment is essential.

For existing ships, owners have to involve HazMat experts for preparation of a sampling check plan prior to developing the IHM Part I. Some companies offer experienced professional service ensuring a pragmatic and effective IHM preparation and certification.

IHM preparation process:

The preparation process consists of the following basic six steps, ensuring a unified application and comparable results:

Step 1: Collection of necessary information

Step 2: Analysis and definition of scope of investigations

Step 3: Preparation of Visual/Sampling Check Plan

Step 4a: Sending Visual/Sampling Check Plan to Certification Company for approval

Step 4b: Approval/amendment of Visual/Sampling Check Plan by Certification Company, prior to step 5

Step 5: Onboard Visual/Sampling Check

Step 6: Preparation of IHM Part I and related documentation

Step 6a: Certification Company to certify/request amendment of the IHM

Step 6b: Delivery of IHM Part I

Content of IHM:

The IHM consists of three parts:

Part I : Hazardous materials contained in the ship’s structure and equipment

Part II: Operationally generated wastes and

Part III: Stores

Part I of the IHM is to be prepared by the shipyard during the shipbuilding phase or, in case of existing ships, within five years after entry into force of the IMO Convention under the responsibility of the shipowner. Part I focuses on the hazardous materials contained in hull and equipment.

Part II and Part III of the IHM are to be prepared prior to or during the final voyage of the ship under the responsibility of the shipowner.

Professional assistance is foreseen by the Convention and is the key to reducing the risk that difficulties will be encountered when a ship is prepared for recycling.

Source: Germanischer Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft

www.gl-group.com/shiprecycling