Dr. Anil Sharma Commends Pakistan’s Pioneering Move to Join the Hong Kong Convention for Safe Ship Recycling
GMS, the leading purchaser of ship and offshore assets for recycling, extends warm congratulations to the Government of Pakistan for officially joining the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention). This momentous occasion was marked by the deposition of the instrument of accession by Vice Admiral (Retd.) Iftikhar Ahmad Rao, the Maritime Minister and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Maritime Affairs for Pakistan, at the IMO Headquarters in London. This move reflects Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to sustainable maritime development.
Dr. Anil Sharma, Founder & CEO of GMS, expressed his admiration for this development, highlighting that “Pakistan’s commitment to the Hong Kong Convention marks a pivotal step in promoting responsible ship recycling.” By ratifying the HKC, Pakistan joins the ranks of ship recycling countries in the Indian subcontinent that have embraced environmentally friendly practices. Dr. Sharma credited the International Maritime Organization (IMO), shipowners, and stakeholders for their concerted efforts, noting that the region now possesses the necessary green recycling capacity to handle the anticipated increase in the supply of scrap candidates over the next decade. He commended the Pakistani government for setting a robust example in the maritime sector by prioritizing sustainability and safety.
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The Hong Kong Convention, established in 2009, aims to facilitate ship recycling in a manner that significantly reduces risks to human health, safety, and the environment. It adopts a comprehensive approach, addressing all stages from ship construction to eventual recycling and ensuring responsible disposal of waste streams.
Scheduled for enforcement on June 26, 2025, the Convention introduces new requirements, such as mandating ships to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials and necessitating ship recycling facilities to develop specific Ship Recycling Plans for each vessel.
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Pakistan now joins a growing list of contracting parties that includes countries such as Bangladesh, Belgium, Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Portugal, São Tomé and PrÃncipe, Serbia, Spain, and Türkiye. All these nations share a common commitment to sustainable maritime practices.
GMS lauds the proactive efforts of the Pakistani government and the International Maritime Organization in championing global maritime safety and environmental conservation. Pakistan’s decision to join the Hong Kong Convention not only propels its maritime sector forward but also contributes significantly to global initiatives aimed at fostering a safer and cleaner maritime environment. This move underscores the collective responsibility of nations to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
