Regarding compliance with the Hong Kong Convention (Ship Recycling Convention), the Cyprus Administration published Circular No. 4/2026 on the ratification of the Convention by Cyprus and its entry into force on 26 February 2026, as well as the required measures for Cyprus-flagged ships.
This ClassNK Technical Information provides information for shipowners and management companies on the actions required to ensure compliance.

1. Deadline for obtaining an IHM Certificate
All Cyprus-flagged ships are required to obtain an IHM Certificate by the earliest of the following dates,
(1) The first renewal survey conducted on or after 26 February 2026
(2) Not later than 26 June 2030
(3) Before going for recycling, if earlier.

2. Issuance of an IHM Certificate
(1) In case of the following conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied, an IHM Certificate can be issued administratively without survey.
The validity of the IHM Certificate shall be the same as that of the Inventory Certificate as defined in Regulation (EU) No. 1257/2013.
(i) The inventory Certificate was issued by ClassNK.
(ii) The shipowner or agent shall submit to ClassNK a written declaration, signed by the shipowner or an authorized representative, confirming that,

"There has been no change affecting the validity of the EU Certificate, as defined in Article 10(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No. 1257/2013."

(2) ClassNK will issue the IHM Certificate administratively upon receipt of the following documents submitted with the application to ClassNK service site.
The documents required for the application are as follows:
(i) A copy of a valid Inventory Certificate issued by ClassNK.
(ii) A declaration letter satisfying the requirement in 2.(1)(ii) above.

3. Format of the IHM Certificate
As instructed by the Administration, ClassNK will issue the single IHM Certificate that includes both statements certifying compliance with the Hong Kong Convention and the Regulation (EU) No. 1257/2013.

(To be continued)