Exclusive Interview with Rohith Agarwal: Voice in Ship Recycling Consultancy

Green & Sustainable Ship Recycling - WISTA India Team visit Bansal Group Green Ship Recycling yard at Alang  - continued from yesterday article

 Q1: What does a ship recycling consultant like yourself actually do, and how does Guideship Consulting Services add value to the industry?

A1: As a ship recycling consultant, my role is to bridge the gap between shipowners, recyclers, regulators, and classification societies. The ship recycling process is not just about dismantling vessels—it’s about ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and legal regulations while maximizing financial efficiency.

With over a decade in Alang, we’ve built credibility and deep-rooted expertise, making us the go-to consultancy for ship recycling worldwide.

Q2: What are the biggest challenges ship recycling yards in Alang face today?
A2: The industry faces multiple bottlenecks that impact efficiency and global competitiveness:

• Despite India's Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, implementation challenges remain, especially with hazardous waste disposal regulations.
• Many yards need better cranes, drainage systems, and automated machinery to meet global standards.
• Shipbreaking is highly labour-intensive, and continuous safety training is critical.
• With the push for green recycling, yards must now invest in pollution control measures and waste management, which require financial support.

At Guideship, we provide tailored strategies to help yards overcome these barriers and maintain competitiveness in the global market.

Q3: Shipowners often struggle to choose the right recycling yard. What advice do you give them?
A3: Selecting the right yard is not just about price; it’s about sustainability, compliance, and long-term reputation management. I advise shipowners to consider:

1. Ensure the yard is HKC-certified and meets ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.
2. Look for yards with structured safety programs, PPE compliance, and medical facilities.
3. Assess the yard’s hazardous waste management systems and whether they reuse materials responsibly.

At Guideship, we conduct yard audits, compliance checks, and due diligence to ensure shipowners make the right decision.

Q4: How does ship recycling contribute to the circular economy, and how do your consulting services promote sustainability?
A4: Ship recycling is one of the best examples of a circular economy, as 95% of a vessel is reused or repurposed. The steel extracted from ships reduces dependence on iron ore mining, while components like electrical systems, engines, and furniture find a second life in other industries.

At Guideship, we help:

• Optimize resource recovery to ensure minimal waste.
• Connect ship recyclers with MSMEs that benefit from repurposed materials.
• Ensure ESG compliance for shipowners looking to report sustainability efforts.

By doing so, we not only enhance industry efficiency but also contribute to a greener maritime sector.

Q5: Safety incidents have put the ship recycling industry under scrutiny. What can be done to improve worker safety?
A5: Safety failures are unacceptable, and improving safety requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Yards must identify and eliminate hazards proactively.
2. Workers must be trained in fire safety, hazardous material handling, and emergency response.
3. Proper PPE, fire suppression systems, and medical facilities should be mandatory.
4. Automation in material handling processes reduces manual risks.

At Guideship, we develop HSE frameworks and conduct safety training programs to ensure zero-fatality operations.

Q6: Many players offer consultancy in ship recycling. What makes Guideship Consulting stand out?
A6: Experience, end-to-end solutions, and a global network. Guideship provides a 360-degree approach, covering:

• Regulatory consulting for compliance with HKC, EU-SRR, and Basel Convention.
• Operational guidance on best practices and efficiency optimization.
• Risk management, environmental audits, and ESG reporting.
• Networking with shipowners, classification societies, and government bodies.

This comprehensive approach makes us a reliable consultancy for global ship recycling stakeholders.

Q7: With increasing competition from Turkey and Bangladesh, can India maintain its leadership in ship recycling?
A7: Yes, but only if we focus on:

• Upgrading infrastructure to match international standards.
• Strengthening compliance to retain shipowners preferring ESG-compliant yards.

Guideship actively works with industry bodies to push for reforms that keep India at the forefront of global ship recycling.

Q8: What are the key trends shaping the future of ship recycling?
A8:

• Automation & AI-driven Safety management.
• Greater pressure for ESG transparency from shipowners.
• Stricter international regulations post-HKC ratification.

Guideship Consulting is at the forefront of these developments, advising clients on adapting to these trends.

Q9: If shipowners, recyclers, or policymakers have doubts about ship recycling, why should they turn to you?
A9: Because expertise matters. Guideship Consulting is not just a service provider but a strategic partner that ensures ship recycling is safe, profitable, and environmentally responsible. With over 14 years in Alang and a global network, we are the trusted advisors for all things ship recycling.