European classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has begun approving recycling facilities in India that adhere to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. This June, LR issued a Statement of Compliance (SoC) with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) to Plot 24 E in Alang and sources say more yards are undergoing the auditing process.

LR joins Class NK, RINA, and IR Class as the fourth classification society committed to further promoting responsible recycling in India. As of now, almost 80 recycling yards in Alang have received an SoC with HKC from at least one of the major classification societies. These yards are globally certified to conduct green recycling based on the standards outlined in the IMO’s Hong Kong Convention. With LR now issuing HKC SoCs in Alang as well, yard owners have another reputable accreditation option to upgrade their recycling facilities to and become HKC compliant, potentially improving the quality and quantity of responsible recycling in India.

Dr. Anand Hiremath, lead coordinator of GMS’ Responsible Ship Recycling Program, comments on the impact this has on the future of green recycling in India. “Approval of SOC with HKC from Lloyd’s Register (LR) is good news for the industry and shows the growth of green recycling practices in Alang,” says Dr. Hiremath. “LR became the fourth IACS Class to accept (after ClassNK, RINA, and IRClass) that ship recycling yards in India comply with the highest recycling standards. It is to be noted that two Turkish yards included in EU List are also approved by LR for SOC with HKC. With 77 yards already having SOC with HKC in Alang—almost 60% of working yards—it wouldn’t be a surprise if Alang achieves 100% green recycling yards potentially by next year.”