IHM

A detailed and accurate inventory of hazardous materials is the starting point of any ship recycling project. The types and quantities of hazardous materials are critical input for the selection of potential recycling destinations and facilities.

Under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, any ship flying the flag of a member state or calling at an EU port must have an IHM (part I) and with the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention in June 2025, this will expand to all ships globally, latest at the time they go for recycling.

Sea2Cradle is a Lloyd’s Register approved Inventory of Hazardous Materials Service Supplier.

Well before IHM guidelines existed, we already made sure to create a list of potentially hazardous materials on board a ship at the start of each and every recycling project. Our knowledge and experience have been input to the current MEPC guidelines for development of the IHM. With a solid track record of over 250 IHMs for Recycling, recognised for their high level of accuracy, we are ready to create an inventory for every type of ship or offshore structure.

Part l: Hazardous materials contained in the ship’s structure and equipment.

Part II: Operationally generated wastes

Part III: Stores and Spares

IHM Part I provides an inventory of the hazardous materials found in the ship’s structure and equipment, including the estimated quantities. For vessels in operation it is based on document analysis and samples taken during a non-destructive survey on board  by certified IHM surveyors.

At Sea2Cradle, we follow a meticulous five-step process to compile Part I of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for existing ships:

Before initiating the inventory process, we gather comprehensive ship-specific information, including the ship’s specification, general arrangement, fire & safety plan, capacity plan and/or tank plan, International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate etc.

This information provides the foundation for our assessment and ensures a thorough understanding of the vessel’s composition and potential hazardous materials present.

We conduct desktop research of the collected information and utilize the MEPC Indicative List and our knowledge and experience  to compile a list of equipment, systems, and areas on board to be checked. This step helps us define the scope of the assessment and tailor our approach to each vessel’s unique characteristics.

Our VSCP outlines the equipment and components to be inspected and considered for sampling. It is prepared in accordance with IMO guidelines MPEC 379(80) and EMSA Best Practice Guidance on IHM. During and after the survey, the VSCP table is completed, with sample numbers and ‘positive’ results marked in red.

Following the VSCP, our surveyors conduct visual inspections and take samples for analysis. Sample locations are marked on location diagrams, and photographic evidence is taken. While sample taking is generally non-destructive, limitations apply to ensure safety and prevent damage to equipment and installations. For example, equipment like engines and auxiliaries will not be deconstructed. Furthermore, appliances such as AC units, bridge equipment, refrigerators and galley equipment are visually checked from the outside only.

The final step involves testing samples by accredited laboratories (ISO 17025), analyzing test results, and estimating quantities of identified hazardous materials on board. Our team compiles the IHM Part I report in line with all applicable regulations and guidelines, including summary tables of hazardous materials, location diagrams with pictures of samples and sampling locations, VSCP, test results, lab reports, and certificates. After completing the five steps of Investigation of Hazardous materials contained in the ship’s interior, we’ll carry on with IHM Parts II and III as outlined below.

Part II of the IHM covers operationally generated wastes, which are materials produced during the regular operation of the vessel. These wastes can include oily residues, bilge water, sludge from fuel tanks, domestic, medical & food waste, and waste of electrical equipment, amongst others.

Part III of the IHM focuses on stores and spares, which are materials kept on board the vessel for maintenance, repair, and operational purposes. These items may include spare parts, lubricants & oils, cleaning agents, safety equipment, consumables, etc.

Our experienced team will work closely with your ship’s crew to prepare the necessary tables for Parts II and III. We provide guidance on how to accurately document and categorize the operationally generated wastes, stores and spares ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines. By completing Parts II and III, we ensure that all aspects of the ship’s hazardous materials and waste management are accounted for in the IHM.

Once Parts II and III are completed by the ship’s crew, Sea2Cradle integrates the tables into the IHM report to create the provisional IHM for recycling. This comprehensive document provides a detailed overview of all hazardous materials on board the vessel, as well as the expected conditions upon arrival at a recycling facility. Upon arrival at the recycling facility the tables for parts II&III should be updated to reflect actual quantities on board. Sea2Cradle will then update the provisional IHM into the final IHM for recycling.  Our goal is to streamline your recycling process and facilitate compliance with regulations, ultimately contributing to a safer and more sustainable ship recycling industry.

At Sea2Cradle, we are committed to leading the way in safe and sustainable ship recycling practices. Join us in our mission to create a cleaner, safer world for future generations. Contact us today to learn more about our IHM services and how we can support your ship recycling projects.