In Episode 5 of the GMS Hong Kong Convention Series, Ingrid and Henning address one of the most pressing questions for shipowners:
Can you recycle a vessel compliantly without getting caught in legal or regulatory issues, even with HKC in force?

Using real-world insights from the GMS HKC Webinar Series, this episode unpacks how the Hong Kong Convention, the Basel Convention, and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation interact and often conflict. Guest voices include Anaëlle Boudry (ECSA), George Novak (Liberian Registry), Sveinung Oftedal (Norwegian Ministry of Environment), and Dr. Nikos Mikelis.

The conversation explores what shipowners must consider when sailing from OECD countries, flying EU flags, or recycling at certified yards in South Asia. Listeners will also hear why legal harmonization is essential and what documentation is needed to stay protected.

Key Takeaways:

• Where HKC, Basel, and EU SRR overlap and why it matters

• The practical impact of Article 11 and lack of harmonization

• Why certified yards in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan still face barriers

• What flags, ports, and recyclers expect today

• How documentation protects owners and supports ESG compliance

• What needs to change to enable safe, responsible global recycling