FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

"HKC Compliance: What the Maritime Industry Needs to Know" to feature Global Experts, Regulators, and Industry Leaders

 
Dubai, UAE – GMS, the world's largest cash buyer of ships for recycling, is pleased to announce a special three-part international webinar series titled "HKC Compliance: What the Maritime Industry Needs to Know," taking place on 25 and 26 June 2025.

This event marks the long-awaited entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which officially comes into effect on June 26, 2025.

Adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009, the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) establishes binding global standards for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. The Convention enters into force after 16 years, following ratification by nations representing over 40 percent of the world's merchant shipping tonnage. It introduces legally binding requirements for shipowners, recycling facilities, and flag states worldwide.

The webinar series will bring together an esteemed lineup of regulators, policymakers, classification societies, and industry leaders from the global shipping and recycling sectors. Each 45-minute session will explore key aspects of HKC implementation and compliance, providing valuable insights and guidance for industry stakeholders.

"With the HKC finally coming into force after more than a decade and a half, maritime compliance is entering a new era," said Dr. Anil Sharma, Founder and CEO of GMS. "This series is both a celebration and a platform for meaningful dialogue. It brings together the pioneers who helped shape the Convention and the leaders now responsible for implementing this landmark regulation. GMS has been at the forefront of promoting HKC guidelines for the past two decades. Our goal is to provide clarity, foster collaboration, and support the global shipping community through this pivotal transition."

Participation is free with advance registration. One registration provides access to all three sessions.
 
Register now to secure your spot: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6617485369428/WN_kLd2bjyvRxuaO3ZnZ1o3jg
 

Webinar Schedule and Speakers

25 June 2025

Time: 16:00 Dubai | 13:00 UK | 17:30 India | 20:00 Singapore | 08:00 New York
Duration: 45 minutes

Moderator:

• Dr. Anil Sharma, Founder & CEO, GMS

Speakers:

• Dr. Nikos Mikelis, Non-Executive Director, GMS

• Takeshi Naruse, Manager, Green Certification Department, ClassNK

• Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO, Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP)

• Gudrun Janssens, Head of EU Engagement, BIMCO

This session will trace the 16-year journey of the Hong Kong Convention from negotiation and adoption to final ratification. Speakers will discuss the Convention's legacy and its impact on both regulatory and commercial practices within the maritime industry.
 

26 June 2025

Time: 16:00 Dubai | 13:00 UK | 17:30 India | 20:00 Singapore | 08:00 New York
Duration: 45 minutes
Moderator:

• Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO, Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP)

Speakers:

• Dr. Abdul Rahim, Chief Maritime Strategy & Innovation Officer, GMS

• Haresh Parmar, Secretary, Ship Recycling Industries Association (India)

• Asif Khan, Vice President, Pakistan Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association

• Zahirul Islam, Vice President, Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association

• Dimitris Ayvatoglou, Head, Business Development & External Affairs, LEYAL Ship Recycling Group (Türkiye)

This session will share updates from ship recycling nations including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, audit systems, and readiness for HKC compliance.
 

Time: 17:30 Dubai | 14:30 UK | 19:00 India | 21:30 Singapore | 09:30 New York
Duration: 45 minutes
Moderator:

• Dr. Nikos Mikelis, Non-Executive Director, GMS

Speakers:

• Sveinung Oftedal, Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment

• Anaëlle Boudry, Senior Policy Advisor, European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)

• David Loosley, Secretary General & CEO, BIMCO

• Petros Varelidis, Secretary General Natural Environment and Waters, Ministry of Environment and Energy

• George Novak, VP Commercial, The Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR)

• Ann-Christin Stucke, Senior Sustainability Advisor, ABN AMRO

This session examines the relationship between the HKC and Basel Convention, the challenges of dual compliance, and the implications for global ship recycling policy.

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6617485369428/WN_kLd2bjyvRxuaO3ZnZ1o3jg

Media Contact:
Nayeem Noor,
Head of Communications, GMS
Email: bd@gmsinc.net