- GMS and the Liberian Registry issued the first International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) under the Hong Kong Convention, awarded to vessel R PISCES.
- The vessel will be recycled at Leela Responsible Recycling LLP in Alang, India, under full compliance with Convention requirements.
- Industry leaders emphasised collaboration, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility as key to achieving this milestone.
- The IRRC confirms readiness for recycling in line with the Convention’s safety, environmental, and transparency standards.
GMS, the world’s largest buyer of ships for recycling, has achieved a maritime industry milestone with the issuance of the world’s first International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) under the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which came into force on June 26, 2025. The certificate, issued by the Liberian Registry, was awarded to the vessel R PISCES, making it the first ship globally to receive such recognition. This achievement positions both GMS and the Liberian Maritime Authority as leaders in implementing the new regulatory framework, according to GMS Leadership.
Industry Leaders Highlight Significance of First IRRC Under Hong Kong Convention
Vishaal Raj Soni, CEO of Leela Group of Ship Recycling Yards, expressed pride in receiving the vessel R PISCES for recycling as part of the first International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) issued under the Hong Kong Convention. He noted that the milestone underscores the value of collaboration among shipowners, cash buyers, flag administrations, and certified recycling facilities. He reaffirmed Leela’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of health, safety, environmental protection, and compliance as outlined in the Convention, adding that the certification represents a benchmark for the future of ship recycling.
Sunil Jaitly, Managing Director of the Liberian Registry in the Middle East, described the achievement as the beginning of a new phase for Liberia and the global ship recycling sector. He emphasised the Registry’s dedication to supporting practical, enforceable international regulations that raise industry standards.
Faidon Panagiotopoulos, Senior Trader at GMS, highlighted that the first IRRC issued under the Convention demonstrates that regulatory compliance and responsible asset disposal can be achieved through preparation, technical expertise, and cooperation among stakeholders. He stressed that GMS has long supported the principles of the Convention and continues to lead industry efforts in ensuring safe, transparent, and fully compliant ship recycling.
Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO of the Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP), noted his team’s contribution in ensuring all required documentation — including the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, Ship Recycling Facility Plan, and Ship Recycling Plan — was completed under HKC requirements. This, he said, helped facilitate the timely issuance of the certificate and ensured the process remained within regulatory timelines. He added that SSORP’s experience will continue to support shipowners in meeting Convention standards in future cases.
The Hong Kong Convention establishes global requirements for ship recycling aimed at improving safety, protecting the environment, and enhancing transparency. The IRRC plays a central role by confirming that a vessel is prepared for recycling under approved conditions.
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Source: GMS
