BIMCO has launched the Ship Recycling Alliance to promote responsible and safe ship recycling ahead of the Hong Kong Convention’s (HKC) enforcement.
“Part of the ship recycling industry is already trying to live up to the HKC standards ahead of its entry into force. To succeed in having our ships recycled responsibly and safely for people and the environment, we need all stakeholders to engage and step up pace. The Ship Recycling Alliance will connect stakeholders, advise regulators and create awareness among the public,” said David Loosley, BIMCO’s Secretary General and CEO.
A key focus will be collaborating with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Basel Convention Secretariat, and member states to seek legal clarity on convention interactions. The alliance will assess potential amendments to the HKC and support compliance with Basel Convention waste management requirements.
“It is high time for an initiative like the Ship Recycling Alliance to be launched and put to work. We need an alliance that can formulate and represent the views of the international ship recycling industry and connect that with all other stakeholders involved. Doing so, we strongly believe we can move forward and fuel progress,” added Dr. Nikos Mikelis, non-Executive Director of GMS.
Founding members include BIMCO, BSBRA, GEMISANDER, GMS, Guideship, PSBRA, SRIA, ISRA, Wirana, and Bansal Group. Membership is open to ship recycling associations, facilities, cash buyers, financial institutions, and shipowners.