The purpose of the IMO Diplomatic Conference on Ship Recycling is to adopt the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. In June 2008, the IMO Council approved and accepted the offer of the People's Republic of China to host the Conference in Hong Kong from 11 to 15 May 2009. Marine Department of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is the government agency given the task to organize the event with IMO.

The adoption of the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships will provide an effective international regime to regulate ship recycling. It will minimize, in the most effective, efficient and sustainable way, the risks to the environment, occupational health and safety associated with ship recycling.

It is expected about 700 delegates from IMO Member States, a number of intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations will participate in this five-day Conference.


The Diplomatic Conference on Ship Recycling will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 11 to 15 May 2009 on the shoreline of the splendid Victoria Harbour. This centre is located in the main business district and provides flexible state-of-the-art meeting and exhibition facilities suited to events of any size and scope. Overlooking the famed Victoria Harbour, HKCEC is conveniently linked by covered walkways to adjacent luxury hotels. Public transport is only minutes away. The airport can readily be reached by express rail link in around 30 minutes.

Upon registration, each delegate will receive an identification badge. Delegates must wear their identification badges at all times during the Conference period. For security purposes, admission to the meeting rooms will be limited to those wearing identification badges.

Official letter of invitation will be issued by the Secretary General of IMO.