9.8 Role of the shipping industry

  9.8.1.1 The Industry Working Party on Ship Recycling was established under the co-ordination of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in February 1999 in response to growing concerns expressed by Governments, environmental groups and the industry itself regarding:

• .1 the legal position with respect to potentially hazardous substances on ships sold for recycling;

• .2 the working conditions and safety provisions for workers in recycling facilities; and

• .3 environmental controls at recycling facilities.

  9.8.1.2 The Industry Group, recognising the concerns of various parties, has developed a Code of Practice, outlining a series of recommendations which would constitute “good practice” in respect of ships destined for recycling. This Code of Practice is available from the Industry Working Party participants^footnote.

  9.8.1.3 The shipping industry is encouraged to continue the further development of the “Industry Code of Practice on Ship Recycling”, seeking endorsement of and comments on its work from the Organization at regular intervals in the future.

 At the end of a ship's operating life the shipowner is responsible for delivery of the ship as described in the contract, including all the documents in accordance with these Guidelines, and the recycling facility is responsible for accepting the ship if it meets the terms and conditions outlined in the contract. Although contractual issues are a matter for the parties involved, it is recommended that sellers (shipowners) and purchasers (recycling facilities) use a standard contract that deals with all the relevant issues. BIMCO has revised its standard contract covering the sale of ships for recycling (DEMOLISHCON) to incorporate, in the standard terms and conditions, reference to these Guidelines.