Renewal of the IHM:

an essential step towards maritime security and sustainability

In today's maritime sector, safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance are fundamental pillars. One of the most important tools for achieving this is the IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) or Inventario de Materiales Peligrosos, mandatory for most vessels sailing under the European Union flag or entering its ports.

In IMS TECAN ATLÁNTICA, we help our clients to develop, maintain & renew the IHM, ensuring that their vessels comply with international regulations and are prepared to pass any inspection.

What is the IHM and why is it mandatory?

The IHM It is a technical document that identifies, locates and manages the hazardous materials present on board a vessel, such as asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals, paints or polluting oils.

This inventory is part of the requirements of the Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 on ship recycling, as well as the Hong Kong Convention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which aims to ensure that vessels are constructed, maintained and decommissioned in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Since December 31, 2020, all vessels over 500 GT flying the flag of an EU Member State—and also non-EU vessels calling at European ports—must have a valid, certified IHM.

But what does an IHM inspection entail?

In IMS TECAN ATLÁNTICA we carry out the complete IHM renovation and maintenance process, adapted to the needs of each type of vessel.

  • Document Review: An inspection begins with a review of existing documentation and vessel plans.
  • Onboard Inspection: A qualified inspector conducts a visual inspection of the vessel and its equipment to identify potential hazardous materials such as asbestos, PCBs, and mercury.
  • Sampling and Analysis: Physical samples of the materials are taken and sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis to confirm the presence and composition of hazardous substances.
  • Report: The findings are documented in a report detailing the location, quantity, and properties of the hazardous materials.
  • Why is environmental protection important?: It helps ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials at the end of a vessel's life.
  • Crew Safety: Enables shipowners to properly manage hazardous materials throughout the vessel's life, thus protecting the crew.
  • Regulatory Compliance: It is a mandatory requirement for vessels to comply with international and regional regulations throughout their lifecycle, from construction to recycling.

The importance of maintaining and renewing the IHM

The IHM is not a static document. Throughout the life of the vessel, it is necessary keep it updated and renew it periodically, especially when performing:

  • Structural repairs or modifications.

  • Replacement of equipment or materials.

  • Flag renewals or change of ownership.

  • Statutory or class inspections.

Failure to keep the IHM up to date can lead to sanctions, ship hold or even the loss of certificates of conformity.

That's why having a specialized company like IMS TECAN ATLÁNTICA ensures that your vessel always complies with regulations and avoids unforeseen events during port audits or inspections.

The IHM is much more than a legal requirement

It is an essential tool for protecting crew health, the environment, and the reputation of maritime companies. Keeping it up-to-date demonstrates commitment, professionalism, and responsibility.

In IMS TECAN ATLÁNTICA we put at your disposal a technical team with experience in inspections, quality control and IHM renewal, offering a comprehensive service tailored to each type of vessel.

Trust specialists like us. Does your IHM need updating or renovation?
CONTACT US and discover how we can help you keep your boat compliant with international regulations, safely and transparently!