Intl symposium marks milestone for safe, sustainable ship recycling in Pakistan

The International Symposium on “Capacity Building for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling (SENSREC) in Pakistan” organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) held in Karachi marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s ship recycling industry.

Bringing together key stakeholders from various maritime sectors, the event aimed to address critical challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in ship recycling, aligning witht he requirements of the Hong Kong Convention.

President National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), stressed the paramount importance of safety and environmental stewardship in ship recycling practices.

Chief Guest Senator Nisar Ahmed Khorho emphasized the need for industry revival and urged stakeholders to collaborate on a comprehensive SENSREC program, envisioning a new era for Pakistan’s maritime sector characterized by economic growth, workers’ safety, and environmental responsibility.

Representatives from the Federal and Balochistan Governments, PSBA, KS&EW, KPT, PMSA, GEMS, Gadani Ship Breaking Labour Union, and NTUF participated in the symposium. Additionally, international experts like Professor Raphael Baumler from the World Maritime University and Mrs. Rabia Razzaque from UN-ILO provided valuable insights and global perspectives.

Emphasizing adherence to international standards and regulations, the discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of workers and protecting the environment.

Acknowledging the support of the Norway Embassy, Cdre (Retd) Raheel Masood from NIMA expressed gratitude, while Norway’s Charge de Affairs commended NIMA’s efforts to improve Pakistan’s ship breaking industry.

Overall, the symposium served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, laying the foundation for positive advancements in Pakistan’s ship recycling industry.