Ship recycling yards: Stern warning issued to shipbreakers
Special Correspondent :
Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain has issued a stern warning to shipbreaking yards across Bangladesh, urging immediate compliance with international green standards or face closure.
Speaking to reporters following an inspection of the Kabir Ship Recycling Facility in Sitakunda on Saturday, the adviser underscored the urgency of converting all shipbreaking operations into environmentally compliant “green yards” as mandated by the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
“All shipbreaking yards were supposed to be converted to green yards by 26 June in line with the Hong Kong Convention,” Sakhawat stated. “However, only 14 yards have secured the required certification so far. We plan to request a six-month extension at the upcoming IMO (International Maritime Organization) meeting in November, but those who still fail to meet the standards must shut down operations.”
Despite Bangladesh being the global leader in shipbreaking, the industry continues to lag behind in implementing sustainable practices. Sakhawat attributed this to years of neglect by previous governments, which left the sector underdeveloped and environmentally hazardous.
“There is enormous potential to build a world-class industry here,” he said. “But without proper oversight, we’ve fallen behind.”
The adviser also raised concerns about the hazardous congestion in Sitakunda, where more than 100 shipbreaking yards are clustered in a narrow coastal strip. With the Bay Terminal under construction nearby in Halishahar, he suggested a serious rethink about relocating the shipbreaking industry to a safer and more sustainable location.
Highlighting the government’s intent to support the transition, Sakhawat noted that financing options are being evaluated to aid the industry in meeting international standards. “Shipping, shipbuilding, and ship recycling are all interconnected with port development.
Strengthening these sectors will directly contribute to enriching our ports and economy,” he added.
The inspection was joined by senior industry and port officials, including Kabir Ship Recycling Facility CEO Meherul Karim, Kabir Group DMD Mohammad Karim, Chattogram Port Authority Member (Engineer) Commodore Kaosar Rashid, CPA Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruque, and Nazmul Islam, Acting Secretary of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA).
With global pressure mounting for sustainable practices in maritime industries, the adviser’s comments signal a turning point for one of Bangladesh’s most critical yet controversial sectors.