Bangladesh in Crisis: Shipbreaking Giant Faces Legal Battle
A new report released by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform has painted a grim picture of the global shipbreaking industry, with South Asia continuing to bear the brunt of the environmental and human costs. Although a decline in the overall number of ships dismantled worldwide, the region remains the preferred destination for ship owners seeking to dispose of their ageing vessels in the cheapest and most hazardous manner.
Between April and June 2024, a total of 94 ships were sent for dismantling globally, a significant drop from the previous quarter. While this might seem like positive news, the reality is far more complex. South Asia, particularly Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, remains the epicentre of this destructive industry, accounting for the majority of the ships broken up during the period.
Bangladesh: A Toxic Hotspot
Once again, Bangladesh emerged as the leading shipbreaking nation, with 48 vessels dismantled on its hazardous beaches. The report highlights a number of alarming developments in the country.
One of the most concerning issues is the ongoing battle over land use for shipbreaking. Kohinoor Steel, a key player in the industry, has been embroiled in a protracted legal dispute after being granted a lease for five acres of coastal land despite objections from the Forest Department. Despite repeated court orders cancelling the lease, the company has managed to regain control of the land through administrative appeals. This underscores the powerful influence of the shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh and the government’s apparent reluctance to enforce environmental regulations.
The dangers inherent in shipbreaking were tragically illustrated by a fire that engulfed a vessel at the Arefin Enterprise yard in Chattogram. While no casualties were reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazardous working conditions faced by shipbreakers.
Workers’ Rights Ignored
The report also sheds light on the plight of shipbreaking workers, who continue to be exploited and denied basic rights. The Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum has renewed its demand for a minimum wage of Tk 20,000 per month, a long-overdue measure that has been promised but never implemented. The workers’ call for timely payment of wages and bonuses, especially during religious festivals like Eid-ul-Adha, highlights the precarious financial situation of those who risk their lives for meagre earnings.
Industry-Wide Challenges
Beyond the specific issues in Bangladesh, the report underscores the broader challenges facing the global shipbreaking industry. The lack of a level playing field, with countries like China abstaining from shipbreaking altogether, creates an uneven competitive landscape. Additionally, the continued reliance on beaching as a primary method of dismantling ships poses significant environmental and human risks.
Call for Urgent Action
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform’s report is a damning indictment of the shipbreaking industry and the governments that have failed to regulate it effectively. It is imperative that urgent action is taken to address the environmental and human rights abuses associated with this sector.
Key recommendations for ship recycling industries in South Asian countries include:
- Stricter enforcement of environmental and labour laws in shipbreaking countries.
- Transition to safe and environmentally sound ship recycling facilities.
- Implementation of binding international regulations to prevent shipbreaking in hazardous conditions.
- Support for shipbreaking workers through fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security benefits.
As consumers, we also have a role to play. By demanding transparency and ethical practices from shipping companies, we can contribute to creating a more sustainable and responsible global supply chain.
The shipbreaking industry is at a crossroads. It can either continue to be a source of environmental degradation and human suffering, or it can transition towards a sustainable and responsible model. The choice is ours.
