Dr Anil Sharma,
President and CEO of GMS, the world’s largest cash buyer of ships, today called
on owners and brokers to support sustainable recycling practices and voiced
support for the increased and significant investment in South-East Asian yards.
Dr Sharma also criticised proponents of total bans on beaching, stating: “It is
just as possible to have environmentally sound and safe beaching practices at
some yards in India as it is to have dangerous and hazardous recycling
elsewhere”.
Dr Sharma outlined
the significant progress being made by yards in India, where the majority of
the world’s ship recycling is conducted, towards building a safer and more
sustainable future in their yards for workers.
In recent months
the first yards in India have been certified as compliant with the Hong Kong
International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of
Ships (HKC). In this context Dr Sharma called on the industry to use those
yards to support both the progress being made in those businesses and the
thousands of families dependent upon them in regions where there are few other
opportunities for employment.
Dr Sharma
commented: “We are seeing significant growth in demand for HKC compliant
recycling from ship owners and the yards are reaping the commercial benefits,
while sending a trigger to others. As these yards see growth for their services
based on good health, safety and environmental practices, the other yards are
starting to realise that the world is changing and they have to look to operate
in line with HKC compliance, as well as ISO and OSHSAS certification standards
in order to boost their business and keep up with changing times.
“However, it is
crucial that the yards and the industry as a whole receive support for these
facilities and their further development from shipowners throughout the world.
We urge shipowners to take advantage of sustainable recycling services and make
choosing sustainable yards part of their standard business practices.
“One of the most
significant challenges facing the ship recycling sector is the level of focus
being placed on what is wrong with the current process, rather than what can be
done to invest in and improve more yards. We must all appreciate that ship
recycling is not only a vital stage in the lifecycle of a vessel, but also a
vital market for those that directly and indirectly depend upon it.”
CSR and
sustainability is embedded in the values and culture of GMS and it has committed
significant monetary and human resource to a landmark, and industry-first Safe
and Responsible Ship Recycling Program. In addition, its industry leading
‘Green Team’ are primed to provide an additional level of oversight and
supervision on behalf of its principles to ensure that making the responsible
choice is as simple as it is sustainable.
Source: Hellenic
shipping news. 24 February 2016
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