IHM Services & Green Passport Solutions

IHM / Green Passport

IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) Preparation and Maintenance

The purpose of the IHM is to identify and document all hazardous materials that exist on a ship, ensuring clear, vessel-specific information is available at all times. This helps safeguard the health and safety of the crew during daily operations and protects workers at ship recycling facilities, while also preventing environmental pollution when the vessel eventually reaches its recycling stage. The IHM is divided into three key sections: Part I – Materials in Ship Structure and Equipment: Part I includes hazardous materials built into the ship’s structure or installed equipment. This section is mandatory for both newbuild and existing vessels. Part II and Part III – Operational Wastes and Stores: These sections cover hazardous wastes and consumable stores generated during ship operations. Parts II and III are only required when the vessel is preparing for recycling. Since your vessels are not expected to undergo recycling within the foreseeable period, these parts are not included in this overview.

IHM Regulation and Implementation

The EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), effective since 31 December 2013, requires all vessels above 500 GT that fly an EU flag—or enter ports within the EU and EFTA region—to maintain a valid Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) on board. This inventory must also be continuously updated throughout the vessel’s operational life to remain compliant. Implementation timelines include: From 31 December 2018: All newbuild vessels and ships headed for recycling must have an IHM on board. From 31 December 2020: All existing vessels are required to carry a certified IHM. Following these deadlines, any ship without a valid IHM will be denied entry or anchorage at EU and EFTA ports. To avoid compliance issues, operational delays, and last-minute complications, shipowners are strongly advised to plan early and ensure their fleets meet the regulatory requirements before enforcement pressures increase.

IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials)

Most vessels contain various hazardous substances that pose risks to both the environment and human health. Materials such as asbestos, PCB, and TBT can cause severe illnesses—including mesothelioma and lung cancer—if not managed properly. By maintaining an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), shipowners gain full visibility of all hazardous substances on board. This identification process helps ensure the ongoing safety of crew members throughout the vessel’s operational life and guarantees proper handling when the vessel reaches the recycling stage. Using the documentation and details provided by the shipowner, our certified surveyor will board the vessel, collect material samples, and send them to accredited laboratories for analysis. Based on these results, a detailed inventory is prepared, listing all hazardous materials along with their specific quantities and onboard locations. Once completed, the IHM is certified by approved Classification Societies such as DNV GL, ABS, or Lloyd’s Register.