Dr. Anil Sharma of GMS Marks 15 Years of Excellence with Lloyd’s List Top 100 Honor
Author: Nayeem Noor
Dr. Anil Sharma, Founder and CEO of Global Marketing Systems (GMS), has been named in Lloyd’s List Top 100 Most Influential People in the Shipping Industry for the 15th consecutive year. This extraordinary recognition celebrates Dr. Sharma’s persistent influence, innovative contributions, and leadership in driving sustainable transformation across the global maritime and ship recycling sectors.
Dr. Sharma’s achievement places him among an elite group of only seven individuals worldwide who have appeared in every edition of the prestigious list. This milestone highlights Dr. Sharma’s dedication to promoting sustainable ship recycling and developing forward-thinking solutions to tackle the dynamic challenges facing the maritime industry.
Lloyd’s List commended Dr. Sharma’s efforts in advancing the adoption of the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. Under his leadership, GMS has been instrumental in helping ship recycling yards in the Indian Subcontinent achieve HKC compliance ahead of the convention’s enforcement in June 2025, marking a pivotal shift toward sustainability in the industry.
“It is an incredible honour to be recognized by Lloyd’s List for 15 consecutive years. I extend my gratitude to the Lloyd’s List team for highlighting our efforts and commitment to sustainable practices. This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and growth, as well as our commitment to redefining sustainability and innovation in ship recycling,” said Dr. Sharma. “At GMS, we believe in setting higher standards and leading by example to drive meaningful change across the industry.”
In 2023, GMS launched the industry’s first Ship Recycling Portal, a groundbreaking initiative to streamline and digitize the recycling process. GMS has also trained over 8,500 shipyard workers through its Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program, reinforcing its commitment to safety and sustainability. Furthermore, GMS remains the only company globally to provide certified carbon emissions data during ship recycling, setting a precedent for environmental accountability.
“Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey. By embracing innovation and sustainability, we ensure that growth is both responsible and impactful,” Dr. Sharma added. “Our work is far from done, and we are inspired to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this industry.”
Dr. Sharma’s leadership extends to LILA GLOBAL, which operates a fleet of 36 mid-life and vintage vessels. By optimizing fleet efficiency and contributing to the adoption of sustainable practices, LILA GLOBAL addresses the pressing challenges of an ageing global fleet while positioning itself as a key player in the transition to greener maritime solutions.
As the maritime industry navigates increasing pressure to innovate and decarbonize, GMS and LILA GLOBAL remain at the forefront of transformative change. With a focus on progress and an unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, both companies are well-positioned to shape the future of the industry.