First IRRC Issued Under Hong Kong Convention for Recycling

GMS, the world’s leading ship recycling buyer, has announced the issuance of the first-ever International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) following the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which took effect on June 26. The certificate was awarded to the vessel R Pisces by the Liberian Registry.

The IRRC verifies that R Pisces complies fully with the HKC’s regulations. This includes maintaining an inventory of hazardous materials, having an approved ship recycling plan, and selecting a recycling yard that holds valid authorization under the convention. The ship is slated for dismantling at Leela Responsible Recycling in Alang, India.

Vishaal Raj Soni, CEO of Leela Group of Ship Recycling Yards, acknowledged the collective effort behind this milestone, stating: “This achievement is not just a certificate. It represents a benchmark for how the future of ship recycling should be approached.”

The Hong Kong Convention was established to create standardized international practices that enhance safety, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure greater transparency in the global ship recycling industry.