“The government of Pakistan wants to promote Ship Recycling industry by resolving its outstanding issues in line with the vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan for sustainable economic growth and United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development”, said the Chief Guest Mr. Mathar Niaz Rana, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) while addressing the webinar titled “Implications of IMO Conventions (Particularly HKC) in National and International Context and the Way Forward” – organized by National Institute of Maritime Affairs recently.
He emphasized that the geographical location of Pakistan’s ship recycling yard and the nature of the beach have a competitive advantage over other recycling yards in the region, for which compliance of international obligation is critically important. Director General NIMA Vice Admiral (R) Abdul Aleem HI(M), in his welcome remarks highlighted the significance of International Conventions particularly HKC which offers avenue for green ship recycling by ensuring safe and environmentally sound practices.
On the occasion, the Keynote speaker Mr. Moin Ahmed, Director General International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) briefed about the evolution of Hong Kong Convention its needs and preparedness requirement.
He added that there is a need for improved infrastructure and capacity building. Mr. Jun Sun, technical officer, IMO deliberated HKC’s requirements, status, foreseeing and IMO’s efforts towards its promotion.
He apprised that HKC offers a pragmatic, realistic and gradual way to improve safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships.
Prof. Dr. Raphael Baumler, World Maritime University (WMU), Malmo, Sweden added that there is a need to develop curriculum including mandatory safety training programme for recycling facilities, which is important for the accession to HKC.
Ms. Ingvild Jenssen, Executive Director, NGO Shipbreaking Platform, Belgium talked about the context of blue and circular economy for the value chain of ship recycling. She suggested to boost investments in innovation and capacity building for sustainable ship recycling. Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Deputy Director Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), Government of Pakistan discussed the country’s understanding and SOPs for the applicability of multilateral agreements, including IMO convention.
The discussants, Mr. Asif Ali Khan, Representative, Pakistan Shipbreakers Association (PSBA) and Captain Muhammad Athar Shafique, Maritime Coordinator & Representative to IMO, High Commission of Pakistan, London, UK gave their insightful and valuable comments on the deliberation of speakers and established that ratification of HKC is critically important to safeguard and promote green ship recycling in Pakistan.
