Bangladesh Ship Recycling Yards Race for Compliance as HKC Enforcement Looms – But at What Cost?
Chattogram, Bangladesh – May 25, 2025
In just a month’s time, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) will enter into force on June 26, 2025—ushering in a new era for the global ship recycling industry. As the deadline nears, ship recycling yards in Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest shipbreaking hubs, are scrambling to obtain the coveted Statement of Compliance (SOC). However, there are growing concerns that this race for certification could come at the cost of integrity, safety, and human lives.
The SOC is more than just a regulatory requirement. It is a solemn declaration that a ship recycling facility adheres to internationally accepted practices that ensure both the safety of workers and the protection of the environment. For countries like Bangladesh, where shipbreaking has long been a vital but controversial industry, this certification represents a crucial step toward legitimacy and global trust.
But industry insiders and observers are sounding the alarm. They warn that in the frenzied push to meet the HKC requirements before the enforcement deadline, some facilities might be tempted to cut corners or treat the certification process as a mere formality. “A SOC is not just a piece of paper,” said a representative from a regional maritime safety advocacy group. “It carries with it a deep responsibility—a commitment to safety, sustainability, and above all, human life.”
In recent years, Bangladesh has made considerable progress in upgrading its shipbreaking yards. Several yards have already received SOCs after undergoing audits and making tangible investments in safety equipment, worker training, and waste management. Yet the pressure is mounting on others still in the process. With business contracts and international recognition on the line, the temptation to fast-track compliance without full adherence to safety protocols looms large.
This pressure is not confined to the yards alone. Auditing bodies, consultants, and regulatory authorities are all facing increased demands to certify yards swiftly. But experts caution against compromising the credibility of the entire certification process. “Before signing any document, we must be trustworthy to ourselves and to the immense responsibility we hold,” noted a senior official in Bangladesh’s Department of Shipping. “Our signature on a document could be directly linked to the next incident, the next injury—or worse, the next fatality in these yards.”
Shipbreaking remains one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. Workers often operate in hazardous conditions, dismantling massive ocean vessels with basic tools and minimal protective gear. Although some yards have introduced safer working practices, accidents—ranging from toxic exposure to deadly structural collapses—are still reported. The fear now is that a premature or superficial SOC certification could worsen these risks.
Environmental activists also stress the importance of meaningful compliance. The HKC aims not only to improve worker safety but to curb the environmental damage caused by improper ship dismantling, such as the release of heavy metals, oils, and asbestos into the air and sea. “This is a chance for the industry to change course,” said one campaigner. “But it must be real. Not symbolic.”
As June 26 approaches, a humble but urgent appeal echoes throughout the industry: Do not exploit the trust of global regulators—or worse, the lives of workers—for the sake of business or convenience.
“The pursuit of compliance must be genuine,” said a spokesperson from an international shipping coalition. “Let us uphold the true spirit of the HKC—not just on paper, but in practice.”
Bangladesh, and the global ship recycling community, now stand at a crossroads. With the HKC’s entry into force just weeks away, the decisions made today will shape the future of an industry long criticized for its human and environmental toll. The world will be watching—not just for certifications, but for real, lasting change.
