{
  "id": 9006124,
  "title": "Hong Kong Convention certification must be backed by day-to-day safety practice, says Wirana Shipping ahead of World Maritime Day",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/hong-kong-convention-certification-must-be-backed-by-day-to-day",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T21:00:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hellenic Shipping News",
    "slug": "hellenic-shipping-news",
    "url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/hong-kong-convention-certification-must-be-backed-by-day-to-day-safety-practice-says-wirana-shipping-ahead-of-world-maritime-day/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wirana Shipping, a leading cash buyer of vessels, has emphasized the importance of translating Hong Kong Convention (HKC) standards into daily safety practices, especially in the context of ship recycling. This call comes as the world prepares to observe World Maritime Day 2026, with the theme 'From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence'. The HKC has established a global framework for ship recycling, encompassing the responsibilities of shipowners, flag states, party states, recycling facilities, and surveyors. Each recycling facility must demonstrate that it possesses the necessary infrastructure, training, and management systems, and must adhere to a Ship Recycling Facility Plan. As more facilities gain certification, attention is shifting to the practical application of these standards post-certification. Hitesh Vyas, Wirana Shipping's Vice President for the Middle East and Green Recycling Coordinator, stressed that the true test of any regulation lies in its implementation on the ground. The risks associated with ship recycling can evolve as the dismantling process unfolds, making continuous oversight, regular inspections, and strict adherence to procedures crucial. Wirana Shipping warns against viewing certification as a one-time achievement, stressing that maintaining these standards is paramount to safeguarding workers and the environment. While no regulatory regime can eliminate all operational risks, its effectiveness hinges on how effectively hazards are managed throughout the recycling process, and whether procedures are consistently followed and standards are upheld after certification. Wirana Shipping's CEO, Rakesh Khetan, noted that while significant progress has been made in obtaining HKC-certification for recycling facilities, the real challenge lies in ensuring that procedures are properly implemented and risks are managed effectively throughout the dismantling of each vessel. He emphasized that the success of the HKC depends on the sustained involvement of all stakeholders - shipowners, cash buyers, recycling facilities, and authorities - in adhering to the Convention's framework.",
  "summary": "Leading cash buyer of vessels Wirana Shipping has called for greater focus on how Hong Kong Convention (HKC) standards are applied in practice, warning that certification alone cannot guarantee consistently safer and more environmentally responsible ship recycling. The issue comes into sharper focus ahead of World Maritime Day 2026, which takes the theme ‘From Policy ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}