A New Era for Shipbreaking: As the Hong Kong Convention Nears: Workers Fight for a Fair Transition in Bangladesh
Chittagong, Bangladesh – April 2025 — The global shipbreaking industry stands at a critical crossroads. As the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) is set to enter into force on 26 June 2025, the pressure is mounting on shipbreaking nations—especially in South Asia—to bring their practices into compliance with international safety and environmental standards. In Bangladesh, home to one of the world’s largest ship recycling industries, that pressure is being felt most acutely by the workers who labor daily to dismantle the world’s discarded vessels.
To ensure that these workers are not left behind in the industry’s transformation, IndustriALL Global Union and its affiliates have intensified efforts. In early April, a significant initiative unfolded in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s shipbreaking hub, involving two occupational health and safety (OHS) training sessions, a high-profile yard visit, and a landmark roundtable discussion. The events brought together a diverse cross-section of the industry, including union representatives, employers, safety experts, and government officials.
Setting the Standard: A Glimpse Into What’s Possible
A key highlight of the week was a five-hour inspection of a shipbreaking yard that has achieved HKC compliance. Union representatives and international safety experts had the opportunity to witness firsthand what a safe and sustainable shipbreaking operation can look like. From structured safety briefings and clear hazard signage to detailed waste tracking systems and full personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence, the visit painted a picture of what is possible with investment and oversight.
“This yard is a model for the industry,” said Walton Pantland, IndustriALL’s director for Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking. “It shows what can be done when there’s commitment from the private sector. But it also underscores a troubling reality—this yard is the exception, not the rule.”
Pantland pointed out that the level of safety observed was driven not by government enforcement but by private initiative. “This level of safety and attention to detail is led by the private sector, without real government pressure,” he noted. “It is not representative of the rest of the industry.”
Training for Change: Building Local Capacity
Over four intensive days, IndustriALL hosted two OHS training workshops in partnership with Dutch union FNV Metaal. Thirty-two participants from local unions—Bangladesh Metal Workers’ Federation (BMF) and the Bangladesh Metal, Chemical, Garment and Tailoring Workers’ Federation (BMCGTWF)—took part in the sessions.
Structured around a “train the trainer” model, the program was designed not only to teach critical safety protocols but also to build a cohort of local instructors capable of cascading that knowledge across the workforce. The technical component of the training covered essential safety measures, including PPE usage, fire prevention, equipment inspection, safe lifting techniques, and the use of cranes and tensile cables. Participants also became familiar with global standards such as marine pipe color coding systems, vital for safety in ship dismantling operations.
The second module shifted the focus to educational methodology. Trainees learned how to design and deliver effective training sessions, understand adult learning styles, and communicate complex safety procedures in ways that resonate with workers of varying literacy levels.
“This is a practical example of global union solidarity,” Pantland said. “Health and safety experts from our Dutch affiliate FNV Metaal providing training for our shipbreaking affiliates in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It’s how we build a resilient, knowledgeable workforce from the ground up.”
A Forum for Dialogue: Bridging Divides at the Roundtable
The final day of the initiative saw unions, employers, and government representatives come together for a high-stakes roundtable discussion. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing the shipbreaking industry as it prepares for the HKC’s implementation.
A central theme that emerged was the critical need for stronger union presence at the yard level. While unions play a vital role in representing workers’ rights, many participants voiced concern that their influence remains limited due to inadequate recognition from employers and insufficient government support.
“There was no clear consensus from employers,” said one participant, “and it’s still unclear how proactive the government will be in monitoring compliance. But the conversation is finally happening.”
A key breakthrough from the discussion was the decision to explore the introduction of the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) in the shipbreaking sector. The EIS, already in place in Bangladesh’s garment industry, provides compensation for workers in the event of workplace injuries, disability, or death.
“There was real openness to the EIS, which could provide vital social security in cases of disability or death,” Pantland remarked. “It’s a step toward a fairer industry.”
A Bumpy Road Ahead: Navigating the Transition
The path toward full HKC compliance is fraught with challenges. Out of more than 100 shipbreaking yards operating in Bangladesh, only seven currently meet HKC standards. The remaining yards face the risk of closure, with profound implications for employment in the region. An estimated 30,000 workers are directly employed in the industry, with thousands more dependent on the sector indirectly.
Compounding the uncertainty is the increasing mechanisation of shipbreaking operations and a recent downturn in the global supply of end-of-life ships. Together, these trends are reshaping the workforce, reducing the demand for manual labor, and making traditional jobs more precarious.
“Workers are already feeling the effects of change,” said Ashutosh Bhattacharya, IndustriALL’s South Asia regional secretary. “Mechanisation and declining ship volumes are shrinking job opportunities. Without a plan for reskilling and redeployment, many could be left behind.”
But Bhattacharya also sees reason for hope. “The HKC cannot succeed in isolation,” he said. “We need shared responsibility across borders. By investing in training, empowering unions, and setting clear safety benchmarks, we can raise the standard for shipbreaking not just in Bangladesh, but across South Asia.”
A Vision for a Just Transition
At the heart of IndustriALL’s work is the principle of a “just transition”—the idea that moving toward more sustainable and compliant shipbreaking should not come at the cost of workers’ livelihoods. The goal is to ensure that as the industry evolves, it does so in a way that protects jobs, promotes safety, and fosters worker empowerment.
The recent activities in Chittagong represent a meaningful step in that direction. By equipping workers with technical and educational tools, creating platforms for dialogue, and advocating for structural protections like the EIS, IndustriALL is helping to lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable shipbreaking sector.
The transformation will not happen overnight. But with less than three months before the HKC takes effect, the momentum is building—and the message is clear: a safe, fair, and compliant shipbreaking industry is not only necessary but achievable.
“Workers are not the problem—they are part of the solution,” said Pantland. “If we give them the tools, the training, and the voice, they will lead the way.”
