Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships was adopted in May 2009, with the aim of improving standards of safety and reducing environmental pollution resulting from the recycling of ships.
The IHM – also known as the Green Passport – is currently voluntary, however once the convention is in place owners of all new and existing ships weighing over 500GT will be required to maintain the inventory. The IHM provides information on the hazardous materials present on board, in order to protect health and safety and to prevent environmental pollution at ship recycling facilities. This information is used by recycling facilities to decide how to manage the types and amounts of materials identified in the IHM. The IHM accompanies the ship throughout its operating life and incorporates all relevant design and equipment changes, with the final owner delivering the document, with the ship, to the recycling facility. Swansea Drydocks offers shipyards and owners IHM services for both new and existing ships.
Services include:
- Managing the IHM survey process
- Completing the IHM and coordinating with the ship’s classification society
- Coordinating IHM surveys with other surveys requirements
- Making recommendations for ongoing reduction of hazardous materials in line with legislation, policy and end-of-life strategy
- Planned IHM alterations, coordinated with annual maintenance and repair activities
- Continual through life management, through to final disposal
