GMS, the world’s largest buyer of ships for recycling, has announced the issuance of the world’s first International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) since the entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) on June 26, 2025. The certificate, issued by the Liberian Registry, was granted to the vessel R PISCES.
R PISCES is the first vessel worldwide to receive an IRRC following the entry into force of the Convention. This development places both GMS and the Liberian Maritime Authority at the forefront of regulatory implementation under the new international framework.
The IRRC confirms that the vessel meets all required conditions under the Convention, including the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), an approved Ship Recycling Plan (SRP), and selection of a recycling facility with valid authorization. R PISCES is scheduled to be recycled at Leela Responsible Recycling LLP, located in Alang, India.
Vishaal Raj Soni, CEO, Leela Group of Ship Recycling Yards, said:
“We are honored that R PISCES will be recycled at our facility as part of the first IRRC issued under the Hong Kong Convention. This reflects the effectiveness of a collaborative approach between shipowners, cash buyers, flag administrations, and certified recycling facilities. At Leela, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, environmental protection, and compliance as set out in the Convention.
This achievement is not just a certificate. It represents a benchmark for how the future of ship recycling should be approached.”
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“This certification marks a new phase for Liberia and for ship recycling worldwide,” said Sunil Jaitly, MD of the Liberian Registry in the Middle East. “We remain committed to supporting practical and enforceable international regulation that improves standards across the sector.”
Faidon Panagiotopoulos, Senior Trader of GMS, stated:
“This first IRRC issued under the Convention is a significant step forward for ship recycling. It demonstrates that regulatory compliance and responsible asset disposal are achievable through preparation, technical knowledge, and cooperation between all parties involved. GMS remains committed to environmentally responsible ship recycling and has supported the principles behind the Convention well before it entered into force. We continue to lead industry efforts to ensure ship recycling is carried out safely, transparently, and in full compliance with international standards.”
Dr. Anand Hiremath, CEO of the Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program (SSORP), added:
“Our team at SSORP played a key role in ensuring that all required documents, such as the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, Ship Recycling Facility Plan, and Ship Recycling Plan, were provided in accordance with the HKC. This contributed to the timely issuance of the certificate and helped maintain the process within regulatory timelines. SSORP’s experience in working with these documents aims to support shipowners in meeting the standards set by the Convention, both in this case and in future applications.”
The Hong Kong Convention sets out international requirements for ship recycling to improve safety, environmental protection, and transparency. The IRRC is a central component of the Convention and confirms that a vessel is ready for recycling under approved conditions.
