IMO's efforts to promote safe and environmentally sound ship recycling received a boost today with Panama becoming the 5th State to accede to the Hong Kong Convention. The Convention covers the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships so as to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships.

H.E. Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Panama to IMO, met IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim to deposit the instrument of accession to the Convention today (19 September).