IMO Secretary-General Visits Gadani Ship Breaking Yard: Inaugurates Hospital and Wastewater Treatment Plant
Gadani, located on Pakistan’s southwestern coast in Balochistan, is home to one of the world’s largest ship-breaking yards. On a significant visit to the site, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), inspected various facilities and inaugurated the foundation stone for two major projects aimed at improving safety and environmental standards for ship breakers and the local community.
Dominguez’s visit was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman, the Balochistan Development Authority, and other senior government representatives. The event marked a momentous occasion, underscoring the importance of Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry within the global maritime sector, while also focusing on the pressing need to ensure worker safety and environmental sustainability.
A New Hospital for Ship Breakers
One of the main highlights of the visit was the laying of the foundation stone for a new hospital dedicated to the ship breakers—workers who face dangerous and physically demanding conditions while dismantling decommissioned ships. Ship breaking is a notoriously hazardous profession, with workers routinely exposed to various health and safety risks, including heavy metals, asbestos, and other toxic substances. In this light, constructing a hospital in Gadani is a significant step toward ensuring proper healthcare for these workers, many of whom live and work in harsh conditions.
Dominguez expressed his appreciation for the steps being taken to improve the welfare of ship-breaking workers in Gadani. “The safety of workers and the protection of the environment are paramount in the ship-breaking industry,” he said, noting that the construction of a hospital clearly indicates the government’s commitment to improving health and safety standards.
Focus on Environmental Sustainability
Another critical aspect of Dominguez’s visit was the inauguration of a new industrial wastewater treatment plant. Ship-breaking operations generate substantial waste, much of which can be harmful to the environment if not managed properly. The plant is designed to handle wastewater generated from the dismantling process, ensuring that hazardous substances do not pollute the surrounding land and coastal waters.
The initiative aims to minimize the environmental impact of ship-breaking operations, ensuring compliance with international standards. During his address, Dominguez emphasized the importance of maintaining not only the safety of workers but also the ecological balance of the region. He urged all stakeholders involved in the ship-breaking industry to strictly adhere to the designated safety and environmental protocols outlined by the IMO.
“The ecosystem surrounding Gadani and other ship-breaking yards must be preserved. Sustainable practices are essential to ensure that future generations can continue benefiting from these natural resources,” Dominguez said. He stressed that sustainable ship-breaking operations are not only an ethical obligation but also a business imperative in today’s global economy, where environmental concerns are increasingly driving decision-making processes.
Compliance with the Hong Kong Convention
Pakistan is a signatory to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, a treaty adopted by the IMO in 2009 to ensure that ship recycling practices do not pose unnecessary risks to human health or the environment. During his visit, Dominguez expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s compliance with the convention’s protocols. He praised the country’s efforts to improve safety standards in the ship-breaking sector, acknowledging the significant progress made in recent years.
“Pakistan’s adherence to the Hong Kong Convention is commendable,” Dominguez noted. “The steps being taken here at Gadani to ensure safe and environmentally sound ship recycling are promising, and I am optimistic about the future of this industry in Pakistan.” He also hinted at the possibility of future visits, suggesting that Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry could serve as a model for other countries in the region.
Government’s Commitment to Balochistan
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh also addressed the gathering, reiterating the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people in Balochistan, a region that has historically been marginalized in terms of development. He emphasized that the federal government, under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership, is making concerted efforts to address the province’s socioeconomic challenges.
Shaikh highlighted a recent federal cabinet decision aimed at boosting economic opportunities for the people of Balochistan. The government has mandated that 50% of its imports will now pass through Gwadar Port, a strategic deep-sea port in Balochistan. The move is expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the province.
“The government is fully committed to uplifting Balochistan and improving the livelihoods of its people,” Shaikh said. “The decision to route half of the country’s imports through Gwadar will not only strengthen the port’s operations but also generate employment for thousands of people in the region.”
He also assured stakeholders in the ship-breaking industry that the federal government would provide all necessary support to facilitate the industry’s growth and address its challenges. “We understand the importance of the ship-breaking industry for both the national economy and for the livelihoods of many in Balochistan. The government will continue to extend every possible assistance to ensure the industry’s success,” Shaikh added.
Future of Ship Breaking in Pakistan
Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry, particularly at Gadani, has long been a vital component of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to steel production and providing employment to thousands of workers. However, it has also faced criticism over safety concerns and environmental degradation. With increased international attention and the involvement of the IMO, there is growing momentum to reform the industry and bring it in line with global safety and environmental standards.
Dominguez’s visit to Gadani underscores the global importance of the ship-breaking industry and the need for continual improvements in worker safety and environmental protection. His remarks reflect a broader international effort to make industries like shipbreaking safer, more sustainable, and more beneficial to the communities in which they operate.
As Pakistan continues to develop its infrastructure and economy, the initiatives launched during Dominguez’s visit could mark the beginning of a new era for the ship-breaking industry in Gadani. With the construction of the hospital, the wastewater treatment plant, and a renewed focus on compliance with international standards, the future looks brighter for both the workers and the environment in this crucial sector.
