Islamabad, The “IMO National Seminar on the Ratification and Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention in Pakistan 2023,” a significant event for Pakistan’s maritime and environmental sectors, has successfully concluded in Karachi. Hosted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and attended by high-profile international guests, the seminar focused on advancing sustainable ship recycling practices in Pakistan.
According to Press Information Department (PID), the seminar, held from November 13th to 15th, was led by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Railway, and Communications, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, V. Admiral (R) Iftikhar Ahmad Rao. Esteemed guests included H.E. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, and Mr. Jun Sun from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in enhancing ship recycling practices.
Keynote speakers like Mr. Ilsaas shared insights from Norway’s maritime heritage, while Mr. Jun Sun outlined the IMO’s commitment to safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. Prominent IMO consultants Mrs. Gudrun Janssens and Mr. Takeshi Naruse discussed compliance with the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SSR) and the drafting of resolutions to foster international collaboration.
The seminar highlighted the importance of safe disposal of hazardous materials, the welfare of laborers, and the control of ship recycling facilities. Mr. Jun Sun, in his closing remarks, recognized the pivotal discussions and resolutions made, underscoring the IMO’s role in guiding nations towards implementing the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
Pakistan’s participation in this seminar signals its commitment to adopting sustainable ship recycling practices, an essential step in aligning with global standards. The event provided a vital platform for stakeholders to deliberate on a sustainable path for Pakistan’s maritime industry, potentially impacting the future of ship recycling in the country and marking a collective effort towards a more sustainable maritime sector.