In this episode of GMS Podcasts, Jamie Dalzell, Head of GMS Singapore, speaks with Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO of the Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program, about the European Commission’s revised draft guidance on the inclusion of third-country ship recycling facilities under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.

The discussion explores why the revised draft is being viewed by many in the maritime industry as more than simple clarification. While the principle of equivalence remains, the practical threshold for demonstrating compliance appears to be rising across key areas including infrastructure, environmental monitoring, downstream waste management, verification systems and inspection expectations.

Jamie and Anand examine what this could mean for Alang, where many recycling yards have made significant progress through investments in safety systems, environmental controls and compliance improvements. The episode also looks at the broader commercial and regulatory implications for shipowners, recyclers and policymakers, including the risk that if access becomes too difficult, participation may narrow rather than expand.

The conversation highlights the importance of balancing ambition with practicality, and why phased inclusion and achievable compliance pathways may be critical to strengthening oversight and raising standards across global ship recycling.

Key topics covered:

• EU Ship Recycling Regulation draft guidance

• Third-country ship recycling facilities

• Alang and compliance expectations

• Infrastructure and environmental monitoring

• Downstream waste management requirements

• Equivalence under the EU framework

• Commercial implications for shipowners

• Phased inclusion and global recycling standards