Asbestos removal service in India is expected to begin within about 3 years after an IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) survey because this is the typical regulatory tolerance period authorities give shipowners to transition from “IHM Part I with asbestos present” to a compliant, asbestos-free condition.
Asbestos needs to be removed because it has hazardous material which is dangerous for health. So we need to remove it as per Industrial dispute. Greenship services is the name for Asbestos removal services in India.
Below is the detailed “why” in simple terms.
When Should Asbestos Removal Begin After an IHM Part I Survey?
The IMO and EU Ship Recycling Regulations (EU-SRR) state that asbestos identified in IHM Part I Surveys must be monitored, managed, and removed within a maximum of three years unless it is sealed, controlled, or exempted under special conditions.
Why Does the IHM Require Asbestos Removal Within 3 Years?
Top Reasons
- Protecting crew and contractors is critical, as asbestos fibres can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- Legal compliance – authorities may detain non-compliant vessels.
- Port State Control (PSC) readiness – PSC officers frequently inspect asbestos-flagged vessels.
- Ship recycling compliance – required under EU-SRR & Hong Kong Convention.
- Operational reputation – charterers increasingly require asbestos-free certification.
What Should Shipowners Do?
Google-Ready Answer Box
| Requirement | Timeline | Who Must Comply? | What to Do? |
| Asbestos found during IHM Part I Survey | Begin removal within 36 months | All ships ≥500 GT under EU-SRR/IMO | Hire certified asbestos removal service in India & update IHM |
| IHM Maintenance | Continuous | Shipowners/ISM Team | Annual update, crew training, documentation |
| Re-inspection | 1–3 years | All flagged vessels | Lab testing + re-certification |
| Documentation | Ongoing | Owners/technical managers |
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Important in the Maritime Industry?
Asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding due to its heat-resistant properties. It is commonly found in:
- Pipe insulation
- Boilers & gaskets
- Fireproof panels
- Deck materials
- Engine room components
Although India and many countries restrict asbestos use, legacy asbestos is still common in older ships, making removal essential.
IHM Part I: What It Means When Asbestos Is Detected
An IHM Part I Survey documents Hazardous Materials present onboard. If asbestos is marked as:
- Present (P) – immediate logging & risk assessment is required
- To Be Removed (TBR) – removal mandatory within 3 years
- Contained (C) – temporary sealing permitted but still monitored
Steps to Follow Immediately After Asbestos Is Identified
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Review the IHM Lab Report & Material Declaration
- Mark affected zones on the ship plan
- Hire a certified asbestos removal service in India
- Isolate the affected area
- Conduct pre-removal air quality tests
- Perform controlled asbestos removal
- Disposal according to DG Shipping & IMO norms
- Update IHM Part I & maintenance logs
- Receive post-removal clearance certificate
Greenship Services manages this entire pipeline end-to-end.
The Role of Greenship Services (Led by Arjun Banerjee)
Greenship Services provides:
- Certified asbestos removal service in India
- Full IHM maintenance in India (annual updates, audit support)
- Lab testing, sampling & re-certification
- Port State Control response support
- EU-SRR compliance documentation
Our technicians are trained in:
- IMO guidelines
- EU-SRR / HKC compliance
- Safe asbestos abatement
- Containment, sealing, encapsulation
- Hazardous waste management
What Makes Our Asbestos Removal Service in India Unique?
Top Benefits
- 100% compliance with EU-SRR
- Certified Indian laboratories for sample testing
- Zero downtime approach
- Onboard integrated waste management
- Guaranteed PSC & Flag-State acceptance
IHM Maintenance in India – Why Is It Crucial Every Year?
IHM Maintenance isn’t just paperwork; it’s a regulatory obligation.
It includes:
- Updating new materials placed onboard
- Removing outdated materials
- Maintaining documentation of hazardous material handling
- Crew awareness training
- Annual verification by Class or authorized representatives
If asbestos is found, failure to maintain IHM breaks the chain of compliance.
Annual IHM Maintenance Checklist
- Update MD (Material Declarations)
- Update SDoC (Supplier Declaration of Conformity)
- Record hazardous materials added/removed
- Conduct visual inspections
- Validate third-party certificates
- Update IHM digital logbooks
- Document waste disposal records
- Prepare for annual audits
- Conduct refresher crew training
Case Study – How Indian Shipowners Achieved Fast Compliance
A 20-year-old tanker operating in Indian and Middle Eastern waters had asbestos in:
- Exhaust gaskets
- Engine insulation
- Fireproof partitions
Greenship Services completed full asbestos removal within 37 days, updated IHM, and ensured PSC clearance in Fujairah — all without operational delay.
Cost of Asbestos Removal Service in India (2025 Guide)
Typical Cost Ranges
| Ship Type | Asbestos Removal Cost Range (INR) | Notes |
| Bulk Carriers | ₹4–12 lakh | Depends on contamination extent |
| Tankers | ₹6–18 lakh | Complex engine room zones |
| Container Ships | ₹8–22 lakh | Large compartmental areas |
| Offshore Vessels | ₹5–15 lakh | Limited access zones |
(Prices vary depending on ship size, contamination level, location, and urgency.)
How Long Does Asbestos Removal Take?
Typical Duration
- Small section: 5–7 days
- Medium scale: 15–25 days
- Full-scale ship removal: 30–60 days
- IHM update & lab testing: 7 days
Greenship Services can conduct operations during port stay or voyage (where safe).
Risks of Not Removing Asbestos in 3 Years
- PSC detentions
- Insurance claim denial
- Shipyard refusal
- Crew safety risks
- Environmental liabilities
- Loss of chartering opportunities
- Blacklisting from EU ports
Conclusion
Asbestos removal is not just a regulatory formality — it is a safety mandate and business necessity. Following the 3-year rule after asbestos detection in IHM Part I ensures compliance, safety, and smooth operations.
With Greenship Services, led by Arjun Banerjee, shipowners receive end-to-end assistance including asbestos removal service in India and long-term IHM maintenance in India, ensuring your vessel stays compliant, safe, and ready for global trade.
FAQs
Q1. When should asbestos removal start after an IHM survey?
Asbestos removal should begin within 3 years from the date it was identified in the IHM Part I Survey.
Q2. Who offers reliable asbestos removal service in India?
Greenship Services, led by Arjun Banerjee, provides certified and compliant asbestos removal services across major Indian ports.
Q3. Why is IHM maintenance in India important?
IHM maintenance ensures annual regulatory compliance, keeps hazardous material records updated, and prevents PSC detentions.
Q4. Can asbestos be left on board if sealed?
Yes, in some cases it can be temporarily sealed, but still must be monitored and documented under IHM maintenance.
Q5. How do I update the IHM after asbestos removal?
The removal team issues a clearance certificate, which is then added into your IHM Part I file along with lab reports and updated material declarations.