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Challenges

TANK CLEANING | PIPE LINE FLUSHING | CHEMICAL WASHING | MERCURY AND NORM REMOVALS | HONG KONG CONVENTION | VESSEL IHM SURVEY | BASEL NOTIFICATION TRANSBOUNDARY |

CHALLENGES AFFECT INDUSTRY, WORKMAN SAFETY and ENVIRONMENT

Ship recycling facilities in low-regulation environments frequently prioritize cost savings over environmental and worker safety, creating significant health and ecological risks.

Mooring at Outer Port Limits with Inoperable Systems

Vessels arriving for decommissioning often have inoperable systems, complicating mooring at outer port limits (OPLs) and increasing risks of drifting or collision.

Use of Cargo Tanks for Ballast Water and Cross-Contamination

Using cargo tanks as ballast leads to contamination of ballast water with residual cargo chemicals or oil.

Ballast Water Exchange Programs

Inactive vessels often lack functional systems for safe ballast water exchange, risking the transfer of invasive species.

Inoperable Ship Systems Preventing Gas-Freeing Operations

Decommissioned vessels with inoperable ventilation or inert gas systems cannot safely perform gas-freeing.

Risk of Contaminants Reaching Shoreline Without Preliminary Safety Measures

Directly bringing vessels alongside without prior decontamination increases shoreline contaminant risks.

Transboundary Considerations and Decision for Recycle vs. Reuse

Change in vessel use (recycling to repurposing) can alter inspection requirements under IMO conventions.

Incomplete Inspections of Hazardous Materials in Critical Spaces

IHM regulations may not cover all enclosed spaces, overlooking toxic residues or gases in confined areas.

Mercury and Heavy Metal Contamination in Older Vessels

Older vessels may have high levels of mercury and heavy metals embedded in structures or residual waste.

Radiation Risks in Specialized Vessels

Certain vessels may contain radioactive materials due to past cargo or structural components.

Contaminated Fire Suppression and Insulation Systems

Older fire suppression systems may contain harmful chemicals like PFAS, and insulation may contain asbestos.

Poor Vessel Maintenance Leading to Structural Integrity Risks

Poor maintenance may weaken vessel structures, increasing risk of accidental spills or collapse.

Lack of Dedicated Layup Zones for Contaminated Vessels

Without dedicated layup zones, contaminated vessels risk polluting clean port areas.

TANK CLEANING | PIPE LINE FLUSHING | CHEMICAL WASHING | MERCURY AND NORM REMOVALS | HONG KONG CONVENTION | VESSEL IHM SURVEY | BASEL NOTIFICATION TRANSBOUNDARY |

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