As the world witnessed a staggering 446 ships scrapped globally last year, it is disheartening to acknowledge that Bangladesh bore the brunt of this environmental crisis, with 170 vessels landing on the shores of Chattogram.
This alarming statistic not only solidifies Bangladesh’s status as the largest dumping ground for end-of-life vessels but also raises crucial concerns about the hazardous practices associated with ship-breaking.
Of particular concern is the revelation that 159 out of the 170 ships scrapped in Chattogram were constructed before 2002, the year the International Maritime Organisation banned the use of asbestos in ships due to its cancer-causing properties.
The likelihood that these vessels contained asbestos is high, given its widespread use in ship insulation during that period.
The European Union Ship Recycling Regulation mandates that vessels carrying EU flags must only be scrapped in approved yards.
However, the yards in Chattogram lack this approval, making the scrapping of six Greek ships in the region a violation of these regulations.
The gravity of the situation becomes even clearer when considering the human cost of ship-breaking. Workers face life-threatening risks daily, with injuries and fatalities occurring regularly.
It is time for collective action to address this crisis. Governments, international organizations, and the shipping industry must collaborate to enforce existing regulations, penalize non-compliance, and promote responsible ship recycling.
Bangladesh, as a signatory to the Hong Kong Convention, must ensure strict adherence to international standards to protect its workers and the environment.
The global community cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of ship-breaking workers and the environmental degradation in Bangladesh.
We must advocate for sustainable ship recycling practices, holding accountable those responsible for this ecological and humanitarian crisis.
Let us unite in calling for an immediate end to ship dumping and the adoption of ethical and environmentally friendly ship-breaking practices worldwide.