Marine & Offshore IHM survey

An Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) is a comprehensive list of potentially hazardous materials present on a ship or offshore installation. It was introduced by the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships in 2009 to ensure the safety of workers, crew, and the environment by providing a detailed record of hazardous materials throughout the ship’s life and during recycling.

IHM is crucial for compliance with international regulations and for facilitating safe and responsible ship recycling practices.

Lucion is a trusted global provider of hazardous materials management services, with a proven track record in the marine and offshore sectors. Our team of certified Marine Chemists and HAZMAT Experts delivers high-quality IHM survey services in compliance with international regulations and industry best practices.

We hold approval status with major IACS Classification Societies and maintain ISO 17025 UKAS accredited laboratories for reliable testing and analysis. By choosing Lucion, you can have peace of mind knowing that your IHM survey is being conducted by experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring your compliance, safety, and environmental responsibility.

An IHM survey typically involves a comprehensive inspection of the vessel or offshore installation by a specialist surveyor to identify potentially hazardous materials, followed by sampling and testing of suspected materials.

The survey process includes the development of a Visual Sampling Check Plan (VSCP), on-board verification and sampling, laboratory analysis of samples, and the compilation of a detailed IHM report.

The duration of an IHM survey can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the vessel, its operational status, and the extent of hazardous materials present. Lucion’s experienced team works efficiently to minimise disruption to your operations while ensuring a thorough and compliant IHM survey.

Lucion’s IHM survey services are designed to help you achieve and maintain compliance with the Hong Kong Convention, EU SRR, and other relevant international regulations. Our team conduct thorough inspections, sampling, and testing to identify and document hazardous materials on board your vessels or offshore installations. We provide comprehensive IHM reports that meet the requirements of these regulations, as well as guidance on best practices for hazardous materials management and ship recycling.

The primary international regulations governing the use of IHMs are the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (2009) and the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) (2013). These regulations require ships to maintain an up-to-date IHM and to ensure that hazardous materials are properly managed and disposed of during the ship’s operational life and recycling. Other relevant regulations include the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989)  and the International Maritime Organization’s guidelines for recycling of ships.

An IHM typically includes a wide range of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), ozone-depleting substances (ODS), heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium), radioactive materials, and certain chemicals like perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and brominated flame retardants. The specific materials covered may vary depending on the vessel type, age, and the requirements of the applicable regulations, such as the Hong Kong Convention or the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.