Resolution A.962(23) IMO Guidelines on ship recycling was adopted on 5th Dec 2003. The guidelines note that, in the process of recycling ships, virtually nothing goes to waste. The concept of a "Green Passport" for ships is included in the guidelines. This document, containing an inventory of all materials potentially hazardous to human health or the environment, used in the construction of a ship, would accompany the ship throughout its working life.

Successive owners of the ship would maintain the accuracy of the Green Passport and incorporate into it all relevant design and equipment changes, with the final owner delivering it, with the vessel, to the recycling yard.

However, the "Green Passport/IHM" legislation is a dynamic set of rules; and changes are still being made. In may 2009 the "International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships" (the Hong Kong Convention) replaced the Resolution A.962(23).