Global classification society ClassNK has completed the document review for a ship recycling facility plan (SRFP) submitted by Philippines-based Tsuneishi Ship Recycling (Negros) (TSRNI).

The review has verified the proposed TSRNI ship recycling facility’s ability to comply with the regulations of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009.

It was the first verification of its kind to be carried out by ClassNK for a recycling facility in South East Asia.

The TSRNI facility also represents the first facility that has been specifically designed to comply with the HKC standard from its initial planning stage.

ClassNK is scheduled carry out on-site inspections such as checks on facilities and actual recycling practices as part of the final phase of the verification process.

The inspections will be conducted after the commencement of ship-recycling work at TSRNI, and will ensure the facility's compliance with the SRFP.

ClassNK Ship Recycling Team project manager Junichi Hirata said: “The maritime industry needs appropriate capacity for the safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.

“We are delighted that TSRNI has chosen ClassNK to verify the facility and it practices. As the first South East Asia initiative to carry out ship recycling in line with HKC, it represents a major step forward in our mission to promote and facilitate safe and environmentally friendly ship recycling across the world.

“Utilising experience and knowledge gained from our verification of facilities in Japan, China, India, and Turkey, we will proceed to verification process at TSRNI’s site with the same level of care and attention to detail to help promote safer and greener ship recycling throughout the world.”

The TSRNI facility is planned to be built in Negros Occidental, the Philippines, and will be operated by Tsuneishi Group.