Bangladesh’s Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited Earns Prestigious “Green Yard” Certification
Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited has become the sixth ship-breaking yard in Bangladesh to receive the coveted “Green Yard” certification. The certification, granted by the European authority Bureau Veritas, follows an extensive inspection conducted on 18 December last year at the yard located in Sitakunda Upazila, Chattogram.
Spanning seven acres, the newly certified yard employs over 300 workers and has an annual recycling capacity of 1.5 lakh gross tonnage of ships. The achievement is a testament to the yard’s adherence to international safety and environmental standards for ship recycling.
A Commitment to Green Ship Recycling
The “Green Yard” certification is a recognition of compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) guidelines for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling under the Hong Kong Convention (HKC). These guidelines prioritize worker safety, health, and environmental protection throughout the shipbreaking process.
Nur Uddin Rubel, chairman of Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited, expressed his pride in the accomplishment. “For the past two years, we have been diligently developing our yard, investing Tk70 crore in construction, modernization, and equipment,” Rubel told The Business Standard.
He elaborated on the improvements made to the yard, including the acquisition of two 200-tonne heavy-duty cranes and a range of advanced machinery. “We have focused heavily on training skilled workers and safety officials to ensure that the recycling process is safe and environmentally responsible, fully aligned with HKC guidelines,” he added.
Rubel also revealed plans to further enhance the yard’s credentials. “After achieving the Green Yard certification, our next step is to apply for Class NK certification from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, a globally recognized ship classification society,” he said.
Rising Standards in Bangladesh’s Shipbreaking Industry
Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited joins an elite group of five other Bangladeshi yards—PHP Ship Breaking & Recycling Industries, SN Corporation, Kabir Ship Recycling, KR Ship Recycling, and MAK Corporation—that have earned the Green Yard certification.
Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry, traditionally criticized for its environmental and safety concerns, is now transforming. The growing number of Green Yards reflects the sector’s commitment to adopting safer and more sustainable practices.
Zahirul Islam Rinku, vice president of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, highlighted the industry’s progress. “Six yards have already received green certification, and 10 more are currently undergoing inspections,” he said.
Rinku expressed optimism about the industry’s future. “We hope to have at least 15 Green Yards by July this year, and we aim to increase that number to 20 by the end of the year,” he added.
What Sets Green Yards Apart?
Green shipyards like Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited implement stringent environmental and safety measures to ensure that shipbreaking does not harm the environment or endanger workers.
Some key practices in green shipyards include:
- Environmental Protection: Preventing hazardous materials from contaminating soil and water during the shipbreaking process.
- Worker Safety: Providing personal protective equipment, enforcing strict safety protocols, and offering comprehensive training programs.
- Waste Management: Proper disposal and recycling of ship materials to minimize waste and maximize resource recovery.
These practices not only protect the environment but also enhance the reputation of Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry on the global stage.
The Economic and Environmental Benefits
Green certification brings significant advantages to shipbreaking yards. It opens doors to international clients who demand high environmental and safety standards, boosting revenue and attracting investment.
For workers, the shift toward green practices means safer working conditions, reduced exposure to hazardous materials, and access to skills training that enhances their job security.
On a national level, the growth of Green Yards positions Bangladesh as a leader in sustainable ship recycling, contributing to the country’s environmental goals and economic development.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Achieving Green Yard certification requires significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, and training—a hurdle for smaller yards with limited resources.
However, industry leaders like Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited are paving the way for others by demonstrating that sustainable practices are not only achievable but also profitable.
The push for more Green Yards is also being supported by global demand for environmentally responsible ship recycling. As more shipping companies seek yards that comply with the HKC and other international standards, the incentive for Bangladeshi yards to adopt green practices continues to grow.
A Transforming Industry
The certification of Arab Ship Breaking and Recycling Limited marks another milestone in the transformation of Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry. With more yards striving to meet international standards, the sector is gradually shedding its controversial past and emerging as a model for sustainable ship recycling.
As the number of Green Yards increases, Bangladesh is poised to strengthen its position as a global hub for environmentally and socially responsible shipbreaking, setting a standard for other nations to follow.
The journey is far from over, but with continued investment, innovation, and commitment, the future of Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry looks greener than ever.
