Conclusions

Abstract

This chapter brings together the various aspects of liability for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials encountered during shipbreaking activities, materials whose properties have made severe cumulative and adverse impacts upon those involved in the industry, the surrounding populations and the environment. Following a review of these aspects, it concludes with an examination of the possible way ahead for the international shipbreaking industry in the light of the new Hong Kong Convention, with a number of considerations as to how the adverse situation of the industry may, in either the short or medium term, be ameliorated.