Resolution MEPC.113(50)

SHIP RECYCLING FOR THE SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMENDMENTS TO ANNEX I OF MARPOL 73/78

(Adopted on 4 December 2003)

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE,

RECALLING Article 38 of the Convention of the International Maritime Organization concerning the function of the MEPC,

HAVING adopted the amendments to Annex I of MARPOL 73/78 which would accelerate the phase-out of single-hull oil tankers, prohibit the carriage of heavy grade oil in single-hull oil tankers, and extend the Condition Assessment Scheme,

REALIZING that these new requirements would increase the number of the vessels to be recycled within a specific period of time, which implies an increased need for ship recycling facilities and capabilities,

NOTING the growing concerns about environment, safety, health, and welfare matters in ship recycling industry, and the need to reduce the environmental, occupational health and safety risks related to ship recycling at the same time securing the smooth withdrawal of ships that have reached the end of their operating lives,

NOTING ALSO the role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Basel Convention and other stakeholders in ship recycling and on-going co-operation by these organizations and the IMO,

RECOGNIZING that in order to contribute towards improvements in ship recycling, it is necessary to consider the full life cycle of the ship, and that the adoption of the IMO Guidelines on Ship Recycling by the twenty-third Assembly makes a first step for the IMO to this direction,

1. RECOMMENDS that Member Governments, especially the Governments of countries with shipbuilding, ship recycling and other shipping interests:

(a) take initiatives to maintain adequate ship recycling facilities at world-wide level, based on the evaluation of the impact of the amendments to Annex I of MARPOL 73/78 on the demand for ships to be recycled; and