Cyprus has officially ratified the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. This is an important development for shipowners and managers operating under the Cyprus flag, with the Convention set to enter into force on 26 February 2026.
The Hong Kong Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organization. Its purpose is to ensure that ships are recycled in a safe and environmentally responsible way.
One of its key requirements is that ships must maintain a valid and updated **Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)**.
The Convention works alongside the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, creating a more harmonized global framework for ship recycling compliance.
According to Circular No. 4/2026:
All Cyprus-flagged ships must obtain an **IHM Certificate** by the earliest of:
Ships that already hold a valid EU Inventory Certificate may follow administrative procedures as instructed by the Cyprus Administration.
The Circular itself must also be kept onboard as part of the vessel's compliance documentation.
Having an IHM document is not enough. It must be properly **maintained and updated** throughout the ship's life.
IHM Maintenance includes:
If IHM records are not properly maintained, it may result in:
With the Convention entering into force in February 2026, proactive IHM maintenance is essential.
Varuna Sentinels provides structured **IHM Maintenance support services**.
Our services include:
We do not issue statutory certificates. Our role is to support shipowners and managers in maintaining accurate and compliant IHM documentation in line with applicable regulations.
Need help with CBAM compliance or have questions about EU carbon regulations? Our experts are here to assist you.
Reach out to Varuna Sentinels BV at contact@varuna-sentinels.com or visit our website www.varuna-sentinels.com