In this GMS Maritime Matters podcast episode, host Ingrid speaks with Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO of the Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP), about two very different realities in ship recycling.
The discussion starts with Canada’s Deep Water Recovery case, where investigators reported repeated toxic discharges of heavy metals such as copper and lead, weak pollution controls and long legal disputes. This case highlights the environmental, legal and reputational risks of dismantling vessels without a strong regulatory framework.
The focus then moves to Alang, India, where more than one hundred ship recycling yards are certified under the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) and many also meet EU Ship Recycling Regulation standards.

Key points from the conversation:

• Pre-arrival Inventory of Hazardous Materials and a tailored Ship Recycling Plan

• Impermeable flooring and closed drainage to contain and treat oil, paint scrapings and wash water

• ISO 45001–aligned safety systems with training, protective gear and family health insurance

• Continuous third-party audits by ClassNK, Lloyd’s Register and other IACS societies

• Strong circular-economy benefits, with about 75 percent of hull steel reused through re-rolling—cutting energy use and CO₂ emissions far below European dry-dock recycling

• Regulated removal and disposal of hazardous waste such as asbestos at government-run facilities

Dr. Anand explains how HKC-compliant beaching in Alang can match or surpass dry-dock recycling in environmental performance while providing global-scale capacity and cost savings.
This episode is a must-listen for ship owners, cash buyers and maritime professionals who want practical guidance on choosing recycling destinations that are safe, transparent and climate-friendly.