The International Association of the Shipping Industry BIMCO has launched the "Ship Recycling Alliance", an initiative whose aim is to accelerate the use of ship recycling activities carried out in a manner safe and environmentally friendly. In particular, the initiative provides for the coordination of operators in the ship demolition and those of the maritime industry in order to facilitate the worldwide implementation of the Convention Hong Kong International Recycling Ordinance for Safe and Respectful Recycling which was adopted on 15 May 2009 and will come into force on 26 June.

In addition to BIMCO, founding members of the alliance are: Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA); Turkish Ship Recycling Industry Association (GEMISANDER); Global Marketing Systems (GMS); , Guideship Consulting Services; Pakistan Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (PSBRA); Ship Recycling Industries Association of India (SRIA); International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA); Wirana Shipping Corporation; Bansal Group.

Announcing the creation of the alliance, BIMCO highlighted whereas the entry into force of the HKC Convention takes place at a time in which it is estimated that over the next decade more than 15,000 ships and that there must be shipyards ship dismantling in accordance with the new international standard in Main countries where recycling activities are located such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. In addition, the association has underlined that today only a minority of shipowners choose to use voluntary recycling in accordance with the to the HKC. "Part of the ship recycling sector - noted BIMCO's Secretary General and CEO, David Loosley - is already trying to live up to HKC standards before of its entry into force. To be able to ensure that the our ships are recycled responsibly and safely for our people and for the environment, we need all parties interested parties commit themselves to accelerate. The Ship Recycling Alliance will connect stakeholders, will advise regulators and create awareness among the public".

The association explained that the new alliance will have important task of working with the International Maritime Organization, with the Secretariat of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements hazardous waste and its disposal and with States that are part of these organizations to try to clarify on the interaction between the two conventions, by assessing the any proposals to introduce future amendments to the HKC, and to support the implementation and enforcement of the requirements of the Basel Convention for the Management of Waste from ship recycling process.