Turkiye tightens ship recycling regulations under Hong Kong Convention framework

• New authorization rules introduced for recycling yards
  
  
• Environmental and safety compliance requirements strengthened
  
  

Turkiye has introduced stricter regulations for ship recycling facilities, reinforcing environmental protection and occupational safety requirements in line with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).

The new "Regulation on Authorization of Ship Recycling Facilities", jointly prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, has entered into force. The move follows increased scrutiny from European industry groups over compliance standards at Aliaa's ship recycling yards.

Approval process tightened for recycling facilities

Under the revised framework, recycling facilities will be required to prepare a Ship Recycling Plan (SRP) for every vessel and obtain regulatory approval before dismantling activities can commence. Yards must also submit facility management, technical infrastructure and environmental protection plans as part of the authorization process.

The regulation further mandates systems to prevent hazardous waste leakage, annual monitoring of seawater, sediment and marine life, and stricter workplace safety controls, including employee and visitor tracking systems.

Penalties introduced for non-compliance

Administrative penalties ranging from TRY 100,000 ($2,150) to TRY 1 million ($21,500) have been introduced for non-compliance. Facilities undertaking unauthorized ship recycling activities may face higher fines, while repeated violations could result in the suspension of operating permits for up to three months.

Market participants expect the measures to strengthen Turkiye's compliance credentials and support the long-term competitiveness of the Aliaga ship recycling sector.