The Adequacy of Polychlorinated Naphthalenes Listing Under the Hong Kong Convention

Abstract

Ship demolition practices continue to face substantial environmental, social, and regulatory challenges demanding attention. A pivotal development in this domain was the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention), which entered into force on June 26, 2025. Given that the Convention was adopted in 2009, there is a need to evaluate whether its provisions on hazardous materials remain adequate. Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are currently listed in Appendix 2 to the Hong Kong Convention as hazardous materials having potentially significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. This policy-driven narrative review examines whether the current regulatory treatment of PCNs adequately safeguards human health and the environment. Guided by this policy-relevant question, this review synthesizes and analyzes recent scientific evidence and ship recycling practices. The analyses conducted identified a significant knowledge gap and factors impeding accurate risk assessment. Consequently, this paper recommends further policy consideration of the potential benefits of reclassifying PCNs from Appendix 2 to Appendix 1 (materials whose use or installation is prohibited) to strengthen their environmental management.