KR Ship Recycling Yard Hosts ClassNK Japan Delegation to Strengthen Sustainable Ship Recycling Practices
Dhaka, October 31:
KR Ship Recycling Yard, a leading name in India’s green ship recycling sector, hosted a visiting delegation from ClassNK Japan on Thursday, marking another milestone in international collaboration towards safe and environmentally responsible ship dismantling practices.
The visit by the ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) team — one of the world’s most respected classification societies — underscores the growing alignment between Indian recycling facilities and international maritime safety and environmental standards. The teams engaged in detailed discussions about process improvement, sustainability measures, and compliance with global conventions, including the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which is set to come into force in 2025.
Focus on Green and Safe Recycling
KR Ship Recycling Yard officials highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every stage of the ship dismantling process aligns with environmental stewardship and worker safety. The management emphasised that the yard continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades, waste management systems, and employee training to uphold the highest international norms in ship recycling.
During the interaction, ClassNK representatives reviewed various aspects of the facility’s operations — from hazardous material handling and oil residue treatment to worker protection protocols. The dialogue provided a platform for knowledge sharing and technical insights into how ship recyclers can improve compliance monitoring and sustainability reporting.
A senior representative from KR Ship Recycling Yard stated,
“We are proud to host the ClassNK team and exchange views on advancing sustainable ship recycling. This visit reinforces our belief that continuous improvement and transparency are key to maintaining global trust in India’s ship recycling industry.”
Strengthening International Partnerships
The visit also symbolises Japan’s continued engagement with India’s ship recycling sector, especially as ClassNK has been at the forefront of promoting environmentally sound dismantling practices worldwide. The classification society plays a vital role in auditing and certifying ship recycling yards under the Hong Kong Convention framework, which aims to minimise risks to human health and the environment.
ClassNK officials expressed appreciation for the yard’s initiatives and commitment to compliance. The exchange of views and best practices during the visit is expected to enhance KR Ship Recycling’s technical capabilities and readiness for upcoming global regulatory frameworks.
An official from ClassNK noted,
“Our collaboration with Indian recycling yards such as KR Ship Recycling reflects our shared goal of ensuring safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement. India has made significant progress in green recycling, and we are pleased to support its journey toward full compliance with the Hong Kong Convention.”
India’s Leadership in Global Ship Recycling
India currently leads the world in ship recycling, with Alang, Gujarat, being the largest ship dismantling hub globally. Over the past decade, the Indian ship recycling industry has made remarkable strides in environmental performance and worker safety, supported by international partnerships with organisations like ClassNK, DNV, and Lloyd’s Register.
KR Ship Recycling Yard’s proactive engagement with international auditors and certification bodies positions it among India’s top environmentally certified recycling yards. The company is already HKC-compliant and is seeking further recognition under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) — a benchmark for sustainable ship disposal.
Commitment to Future Sustainability
The management of KR Ship Recycling Yard reiterated that the visit by ClassNK Japan would catalyze further innovation and collaboration. With the global shipping industry moving towards more stringent environmental norms, partnerships between classification societies and recycling facilities are expected to drive a new era of responsible ship dismantling.
The yard concluded in its official statement:
“Such interactions strengthen collaboration and inspire us to maintain transparency, safety, and environmental care in all our operations. We thank ClassNK for their insights and look forward to continued cooperation in achieving excellence in ship recycling.”
As India prepares for the full implementation of the Hong Kong Convention in 2025, engagements like this reaffirm the country’s commitment to leading the global transition toward sustainable, safe, and compliant ship recycling practices.
Author: shipping inbox
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