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What is Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
Most vessels contain a large amount of substances hazardous to the environment and human health. Substances like asbestos, PCB, TBT which can lead to life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer if not handled correctly. With an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), previously known as ‘Green Passport’, you will know what’s inside your ship. By identifying the Hazardous materials on-board, you can ensure the safety of crew members through the vessels working life, and assure safe handling of the materials at the point of recycling.
Based on necessary information and documentation collected from the ship-owners, our surveyor enters the vessel and take samples that are sent for analysis at accredited laboratories. A certificate is issued based on the findings, listing all hazardous materials on-board, including their amounts and location. The IHM will thereafter be certified by the Classification Societies, like DNV GL, ABS or Lloyd’s Register.
Regulation and implementation
The EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), which entered into force in 2013, states that all vessels over 500 GT flying under European flag or arriving in European ports must all carry a valid IHM on-board. In addition, the inventory list will have to be updated throughout the operational life of the vessel. The timeline for the implementation of this regulation is as follows:
- By 31 December 2018 : New buildings and ships going for recycling must carry IHM on-board
- By 31 December 2020 : Existing EU-flagged vessels are required to have on-board a verified IHM with a ‘Statement Of Compliance’ (or if the Ship is to be recycled, the IHM should be on board from the date when the European list of Ship Recycling Facilities was first published, 19 December 2016)
- By 31 December 2020: Non EU-flagged vessels calling at EU ports are also required to have on-board a verified IHM with a ‘Statement Of Compliance’.
This implies that after 2020 ships without IHM on-board will not be allowed to enter or anchor at EU ports. Therefore, shipowners should act proactively and start planning for the new regulation. This to avoid rush and operational disruptions when all ships needs to have the IHM at once. Our experienced and globally located HazMat Experts provide efficient and flexible service that does not disturb ships in operation. Ace Maritime is in the process of getting approval from major classification societies and expect to get approval soon.
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (the Ship Recycling Convention or the Hong Kong Convention) was adopted in May 2009. After the entry into force of the Convention, the development and maintenance of an Inventory of Hazardous Materials, which identifies the amount and location of hazardous materials onboard a ship, will be required for all ships over 500GT. Furthermore, ships shall only be recycled at ship recycling facilities authorized by the competent authority. The Convention will enter into force 24 months after the date on which the following conditions are met:
Ratification by 15 States, representing 40 per cent of world merchant shipping by gross tonnage and a combined maximum annual ship recycling volume not less than 3 per cent of their combined tonnage.
As of end of October 2018, Norway, Congo, France, Belgium, Panama and Denmark have acceded to the Convention. Furthermore, the European Regulation on Ship Recycling entered into force at the end of 2013. It may promote ratification of the Convention, especially in Europe.