Interim Order on Vessel Recycling

Summary#

The Department of Transport has issued the Interim Order Respecting the Recycling of Vessels under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Coming into force April 1, 2026, it requires owners of vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more that are going to be recycled to keep an Inventory of Hazardous Materials and to reduce fuel, cargo and waste left on board before recycling.

What it does#

• Applies to vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more that are en route to a recycling facility, except government vessels:
  • Canadian vessels everywhere.
  • Foreign vessels in Canadian waters.
• Requires the owner to keep an up-to-date Inventory of Hazardous Materials on board the vessel.
• Requires the owner to make that inventory available to the vessel’s master, crew and the person in charge at the recycling facility.
• Requires the owner to take steps to minimize cargo residues, fuel oil residues and other waste before recycling, and to keep a record of those steps.
• Defines key terms (for example, “hazardous materials” means the list in Appendix 2 to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, and explains what “recycling” and “recycling facility” mean).

Who's affected#

• Owners of vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more that will be sent to recycling facilities.
• Masters and crew aboard those vessels (they must have access to the inventory).
• Operators and managers of vessel recycling facilities (they must be given the inventory).
• Government vessels are excluded.
• It is unclear from the notice whether there are any additional reporting or approval steps beyond the inventory and records described.

Why it matters#

• The inventory requirement makes it clearer what hazardous materials are on a ship before it is broken up. That helps protect workers, recycling facilities and the environment.
• Owners will need to prepare and keep records, which can add time and administrative cost when sending a vessel for recycling.
• The measure aims to reduce pollution from cargo and fuel residues during recycling.
• The order was signed by Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, on March 26, 2026, and came into force April 1, 2026.