[Dubai, 01 Dec 2023] - GMS, the largest buyer of ship and offshore assets for recycling, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Pakistan for becoming a Party to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention).

This significant step was marked by depositing the instrument of accession by the Vice Admiral (Retd.) Iftikhar Ahmad Rao, Maritime Minister and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Maritime Affairs, Pakistan, at the IMO Headquarters in London, reflects Pakistan's commitment to sustainable maritime development.

Dr. Anil Sharma, Founder & CEO of GMS, praised this development, stating, "Pakistan's commitment to the Hong Kong Convention marks a pivotal step in promoting responsible ship recycling. With Pakistan ratifying HKC, we have completed the triage of ship recycling countries in the Indian subcontinent that have accepted green and sustainable recycling. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the IMO, shipowners and stakeholders, we now have the green recycling capacity to respond to the emerging increase in the supply of scrap candidates in the next ten years. We commend the Pakistani government for setting a strong example in the maritime sector by focusing on sustainable and safe practices."

The Hong Kong Convention, adopted in 2009, is designed to facilitate the recycling of ships in a manner that significantly minimizes risks to human health, safety, and the environment. It embodies a comprehensive approach, covering all stages from ship construction to their eventual recycling, ensuring responsible disposal of waste streams.

Upon its enforcement on 26 June 2025, the Convention will impose new requirements, such as the necessity for ships to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials and for ship recycling facilities to develop specific Ship Recycling Plans for each vessel.

Pakistan joins a growing list of contracting parties, including Bangladesh, Belgium, Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malta, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Serbia, Spain, and Türkiye, all united in their commitment to sustainable maritime practices.

GMS applauds the proactive efforts of the Pakistani government and the International Maritime Organization in promoting global maritime safety and environmental conservation. This step by Pakistan advances its maritime sector and contributes significantly to global efforts to create a safer and cleaner maritime environment.