Japan-based ship classification society ClassNK has issued South Asia’s first statement of compliance (SOC) to two ship recycling facilities in Gujarat, India.

According to the statement, R. L. Kalthia Ship Breaking and Priya Blue Industries have been confirmed to be in compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships 2009.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

In a statement on its website, ClassNK said: “Although the HKC has yet to enter into force, Kalthia and Priya Blue have both carried out substantial improvements to their facilities in a bid toward safer and greener ship recycling as well as developed the ship recycling facility plans (SRFPs) required for a competent authority’s certification according to the HKC.”

“Although the HKC has yet to enter into force, Kalthia and Priya Blue have both carried out substantial improvements to their facilities in a bid toward safer and greener ship recycling”

The SoC are issued based on technical verifications of the facilities by ClassNK to encourage safe and environmentally sound ship recycling in accordance with the HKC standards.

Both Kalthia and Priya Blue developed their ship recycling facility plan (SRFP) and were found to be compliant with the requirements of the HKC convention, which has yet to enter into force.

ClassNK confirmed that the SRFP met the requirements of the convention and that the facility is carrying out recycling according to its SRFP.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Previously, Jiangmen Zhongxin Shipbreaking & Steel and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Marine Service (DSIMS) were issued SoC by ClassNK in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The HKC addresses all the issues around ship recycling such as how some recycled ships may contain environmentally hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozone depleting substances and others.

The convention will enter into force 24 months after the ratification by 15 states, representing 40% of world merchant shipping by gross tonnage and a maximum annual ship recycling volume not less than 3% of the combined tonnage of the states.

Ship Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Ship Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
From automated chartering invoices to EU ETS and CII management, Ankeri Solutions’ maritime SaaS platform has earned three Ship Technology Excellence Awards for 2025. See how Ankeri is helping shipowners and charterers boost efficiency, cut emissions, and collaborate better across complex global fleets.

Discover the Impact