Ship Recycling : Pakistan’s Bid to Join the Hong Kong Convention.
Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Maritime Affairs, revealed on Wednesday that the government is actively working towards ensuring Pakistan’s accession to the Hong Kong Convention (HKC). He expressed optimism that formal approval from the cabinet would be secured soon for this purpose.
Addressing the audience at the three-day International Maritime Organisation (IMO) National Seminar titled “The Ratification and Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention, Pakistan-2023,” the SAPM shed light on the potential advantages of joining the HKC. Rao emphasized that this move could attract a significant number of ships to the country’s ship-breaking yards, leading to a boost in the growth of Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry.
Rao highlighted the global shift towards recognizing ship-breaking as ship recycling, underscoring its environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient nature. He expressed concern over the decline of Gadani Ship Breaking Yard, attributing its regression to past neglect.
Ship Breaking Industry Sail Through Diwali Festivals Anticipation: A Week of Positive Trends
Furthermore, Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao asserted the ongoing efforts to revitalize and restore the former prestige of Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry. He acknowledged the implementation of various international regulations governing ship-breaking, including waste disposal, labor safety, and the establishment of environmentally friendly yards. Rao expressed regret that the country had not timely joined the HKC, which came into effect in 2009.
The SAPM outlined future endeavors after joining the HKC, with a focus on aligning with the ship-breaking standards of the European Union. The concluding day of the seminar featured addresses by IMO consultants Takeshi Naruse and Gudrun Janssens, representatives from the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association, officers from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and other relevant stakeholders.
During the event, the launch of Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao’s third book, “Maritime Security,” was announced. Rao shared insights into his literary works, explaining that his first book, “Elements of Blue Economy,” aimed to raise awareness about the blue economy. His second book, “Gwatar Bay to Sir Creek,” focused on the Pakistani coastline, while his third publication explored various aspects of security, highlighting the distinctions between Navy and Maritime Security.
Ship Recycling 2.0: Unlocking the Game-Changing Potential of HKC
In summary, Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao’s announcement of Pakistan’s efforts to accede to the Hong Kong Convention reflects a commitment to revitalizing the country’s ship-breaking industry. The emphasis on environmentally sustainable practices and alignment with international standards signals a positive direction for Pakistan’s maritime affairs. The seminar and book launch further underscore the government’s dedication to fostering awareness and expertise in the maritime domain.
The SAPM outlined future endeavors post-joining the HKC, highlighting aspirations to align with the European Union’s ship-breaking standards. Additionally, the concluding day of the seminar witnessed addresses by IMO consultants Takeshi Naruse, Gudrun Janssens, representatives from the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association, officers from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and others.
During the event, the launch of Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao’s third book, “Maritime Security”, was announced. Rao shared insights into his literary works, explaining that his first book, “Elements of Blue Economy”, aimed to raise awareness about the blue economy. His second book, “Gwatar Bay to Sir Creek”, focused on the Pakistani coastline, while his third publication explored various aspects of security, delineating differences between Navy and Maritime Security.
Speaking at the three-day International Maritime Organisation (IMO) National Seminar titled “The Ratification and Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention, Pakistan-2023”, the SAPM highlighted the prospective benefits of joining the HKC. Rao emphasised that this accession would likely draw a substantial number of ships to country’s ship breaking yards, thereby stimulating growth within the country’s ship-breaking industry.
Rao underscored the global shift towards recognising ship-breaking as ship recycling, emphasising its environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient nature. He lamented the decline of Gadani Ship Breaking Yard, attributing its regression to past neglect.
