GMS strengthens top team with recruitment of Jon Chaplin

December 13, 2021: GMS, the world’s largest buyer of Ship, Rigs and Offshore assets for recycling, has announced the appointment of Jon Chaplin in the role of Chief Communications Officer, commencing in the New Year, 2022.

GMS Founder & CEO Dr. Anil Sharma said: “I have known Jon for over a decade and have admired his authenticity and deep commitment to excellence in whatever he does. The ship recycling industry is an integral part of the circular economy, and Jon has many years of experience in media and this industry. He has spoken and written about his first-hand experiences by visiting yards to collect facts and discussing issues that impact us all. Therefore, he will be a valuable conduit between the several external stakeholders viz shipowners, capital providers, regulators, auditors, class societies, etc. and the ship recycling yards. I am excited to welcome Jon onboard.”

Having established the Ship Recycling Forum in 2009 while a director at TradeWinds, Chaplin formalized his hazmat expert training at GSR Services, later moving to Testing and Inspection specialist Lucion Marine where he helped clients achieve Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Certification and recycle their ships according to the Hong Kong Convention.

Speaking about the new role, Chaplin points to the rapidly changing landscape for marine and offshore recycling. “An important shift in attitudes towards ship recycling is taking place, both at the waterfront and now in shipping board rooms. Dr. Anil Sharma and his highly capable team are at the forefront of these positive developments, supporting yard improvements and helping owners meet increasingly stringent ESG requirements.”

Chaplin is candid about the challenges ahead and stresses the importance of maintaining momentum. “The pace of change is set to quicken in the next few years, both on the regulatory landscape and with decarbonization targets pushing owners to recycle uneconomic vessels. It is an exciting time to be involved in recycling and offshore decommissioning, with much at stake.”

Referring to the GMS Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP), Chaplin commented, “GMS works very closely with like-minded ship owners and offshore clients to help them deliver responsible recycling solutions without destroying asset value. I’m looking forward to communicating the benefits and helping to take the business forward.”