Bangladesh Moves to Align Ship Recycling Sector with Global Standards
Bangladesh has taken a significant step towards aligning its ship recycling industry with international environmental and safety standards through proposed amendments to its ship recycling and hazardous waste management legislation. The amendments, developed under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling (SENSREC) project, were presented at a high-level workshop in Dhaka on February 16.
Key government and private sector stakeholders participated in the workshop, underscoring the nation’s commitment to transforming its shipbreaking sector. The amendments aim to bring Bangladesh into compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) and international frameworks such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions.
The Hong Kong Convention, set to take effect on June 26, 2025, establishes global standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling practices. It addresses hazardous waste management, worker safety, and environmental protections, marking a pivotal shift for an industry often criticized for substandard practices in South Asia.
Commitment from Top Officials
During the Dhaka event, senior officials reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to modernizing its ship recycling industry. Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, Mr. Sakhawat Hossain, emphasized the need for environmental stewardship and worker safety as part of the industry’s growth strategy.
Mr. Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that while ship recycling contributes significantly to the national economy, particularly in steel production, the sector’s sustainability and safety standards require urgent improvement.
Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, Ms. Rizwana Hasan, called for stricter monitoring mechanisms and tougher penalties to ensure compliance with safety and environmental laws. “Sustainability must be at the core of our development approach,” she said, adding that the safety of workers and the surrounding environment should not be compromised.
International Collaboration and Support
The SENSREC project, spearheaded by the IMO and funded by the Government of Norway, is a testament to international collaboration. Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, highlighted his country’s support for promoting sustainable practices in developing countries. “Bangladesh’s progress in this sector can set a benchmark for other countries,” he noted.
As one of the world’s largest ship recycling hubs, Bangladesh’s move towards compliance with the Hong Kong Convention is being closely watched by global stakeholders. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform, an advocacy group focused on environmental and human rights standards in the sector, stressed the urgency of these reforms. According to the organization, 80% of the global tonnage scrapped in 2023 occurred under substandard conditions, contributing to severe ecological damage and posing significant risks to workers.
Challenges and Next Steps
With the Hong Kong Convention’s enforcement date approaching, ship recycling facilities in signatory states must receive authorization from national authorities to operate. This involves meeting stringent safety and environmental standards. The process may present challenges for Bangladeshi facilities, many of which need substantial upgrades to meet the new benchmarks.
Additional regulatory hurdles could arise from the European Union, which maintains its own list of approved recycling facilities. To access the European market, Bangladeshi yards may need to meet these additional requirements, a scenario that could spur industry-wide improvements but also add financial and operational pressures.
Industry experts advise shipowners to proactively engage with regulators and recycling facilities to align their strategies with both international and regional standards. This proactive approach could help avoid disruptions once the new rules are in effect.
A Milestone for Sustainable Ship Recycling
The proposed legislative amendments represent more than just regulatory compliance; they symbolize Bangladesh’s aspiration to lead by example in sustainable industrial practices. The reforms could transform the nation’s shipbreaking yards into global models of safety and environmental responsibility, enhancing the country’s economic resilience while protecting workers and ecosystems.
As the clock ticks towards June 2025, all eyes will be on Bangladesh to see how effectively it can translate policy into practice. The government’s ability to enforce new standards and support the industry through this transition will determine whether the nation can truly set a benchmark for sustainable ship recycling.
