Dr Anil Sharma celebrates 15 years on Lloyd’s List Top 100

Dr Anil Sharma, Founder and CEO of Global Marketing Systems (GMS), and a proud UAE resident, has once again secured a place in Lloyd’s List’s prestigious Top 100 Most Influential People in the Shipping Industry. This milestone marks an extraordinary 15th consecutive year on the list, strengthening his status as a global leader in maritime sustainability and innovation.

Lloyd's List, with its rich heritage dating back to 1734, is one of the world's oldest and most respected maritime publications. The Lloyd's List Top 100 most influential people in shipping is a significant feature that celebrates key figures who make a substantial impact in the maritime world.

Operating from the UAE, Dr Sharma has been instrumental in shaping the future of sustainable ship recycling and maritime innovation, aligning his work closely with the UAE’s Vision 2030.

Dr Sharma is one of only seven individuals worldwide to feature in every edition of the Lloyd’s List Top 100, a testament to his continuous contributions to sustainability and his role in driving the adoption of the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC). Under his leadership, ship recycling yards in the Indian Subcontinent have achieved HKC compliance ahead of the convention’s enforcement in June 2025, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognised by Lloyd’s List for 15 consecutive years. I extend my gratitude to the Lloyd’s List team for highlighting our efforts and commitment to sustainable practices. This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and growth, as well as our commitment to redefining sustainability and innovation in ship recycling,” says Dr Sharma.

In line with the UAE’s focus on innovation and sustainability, Dr Sharma and his team at GMS launched the industry’s first Ship Recycling Portal in 2023, a pioneering platform that digitizes and streamlines ship recycling processes. GMS has also trained over 8,500 ship recycling yard workers, ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility. Notably, GMS is the only company globally to provide certified carbon emissions data during the ship recycling process, setting a new benchmark for transparency and environmental impact.

“Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey. By embracing innovation and sustainability, we ensure that growth is both responsible and impactful,” Dr Sharma adds.

In addition to his work with GMS, Dr Sharma leads LILA GLOBAL, a UAE-based fleet management company with 36 vessels, focusing on optimising fleet efficiency while promoting sustainable shipping practices. His dual leadership role reflects his dedication to addressing the pressing challenges of decarbonisation and aging global fleets, aligning seamlessly with the UAE’s sustainability and green energy goals.

As global attention focuses on the shipping industry’s efforts to decarbonize, Dr Sharma’s leadership, based in the UAE, underscores the country’s role as a hub for pioneering sustainable practices in the maritime sector. His achievements are a testament to the UAE’s vision for shaping a greener, more innovative future for the shipping world.