Choose your vessel's flag for a focused guide to Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) maintenance, Hong Kong Convention obligations and EU Ship Recycling Regulation overlap. Coverage across the world's leading maritime registries — updated for 2026.
Although the Hong Kong Convention is now in force globally for ships of 500 GT and above, the practical IHM obligation differs substantially by flag. EU-registered ships face the broader EU SRR substance list and must recycle at facilities on the European List. Open registries like Panama, Liberia and Marshall Islands set their own IHM Expert acceptance regimes. EEA flags (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) inherit EU SRR through the EEA Agreement. And the timing of HKC application even within the EU varies — for example, Cyprus only triggered HKC for existing ships from 26 February 2026.
The pages below give you a fast, flag-specific reference. Each covers the registry's HKC status, the practical IHM Part I, II & III obligations, the relevant Recognised Organisations, and how Varuna Sentinels BV supports operators of that flag with our cloud-based VSIMS platform.
IHM scope varies sharply by vessel type — cargo coatings, refrigerants, cargo-tank insulation and accommodation systems all change the survey footprint. Pick your vessel type for a focused IHM compliance brief.
Two browser-based utilities to score your fleet’s readiness and find your next survey deadline. Built by Varuna Sentinels BV — runs entirely in your browser, no data leaves your device.
Varuna Sentinels BV supports IHM Maintenance for vessels under any flag administration. Reach out for a tailored compliance review.
Contact the IHM Team