Photo courtesy of GMS Inc.
GMS Inc., a United Arab Emirates-based global buyer of ships for recycling, was issued in June what it calls the world’s first International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) since the enactment of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).
“We are honored that R Pisces will be recycled at our facility as part of the first IRRC issued under the Hong Kong Convention,” Leela Group of Ship Recycling Yards CEO Vishaal Raj Soni says. “This reflects the effectiveness of a collaborative approach between shipowners, cash buyers, flag administrations, and certified recycling facilities. At Leela, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, environmental protection and compliance as set out in the convention.”
The certificate was issued by a Liberian Registry for a vessel known as R Pisces. The VesselFinder website describes the ship as a 263-meter-long (863 feet) bulk carrier that was built in 2004 and that as of earlier this month was headed toward the port of Galle, Sri Lanka.
“This development places both GMS and the Liberian Maritime Authority at the forefront of regulatory implementation under the new international framework," GMS says.
By issuing the certificate, the IRRC has determined the vessel meets required conditions such as an inventory of hazardous materials, an approved ship recycling plan and selection the of a recycling facility with valid authorization.
According to GMS, R Pisces is scheduled to be recycled at Leela Responsible Recycling LLP, located in Alang, India.
“This certification marks a new phase for Liberia and for ship recycling worldwide,” says Sunil Jaitly, managing director of the Liberian Registry in the Middle East. “We remain committed to supporting practical and enforceable international regulation that improves standards across the sector.”
The Hong Kong Convention was created to craft international requirements for ship recycling to improve safety, environmental protection and transparency. The IRRC has been set up to confirm that a vessel is ready for recycling under those conditions.
"This first IRRC issued under the convention is a significant step forward for ship recycling," says Faidon Panagiotopoulos, a senior trader at GMS. "It demonstrates that regulatory compliance and responsible asset disposal are achievable through preparation, technical knowledge, and cooperation between all parties involved."