Japan Delegation Visits PHP SBRIL: Applauds Bangladesh’s Progress Toward Greener Ship Recycling
Chattogram | 4th August
In a significant boost to international collaboration on sustainable ship recycling, PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries Ltd (PHP SBRIL) hosted a high-profile Japanese delegation on July 29, 2025. The visit marked a milestone in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to align with the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
The visiting delegation included prominent representatives from the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), along with key figures from ClassNK, a leading classification society. They were joined by officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Industries and the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board.
The event provided an opportunity for open dialogue and firsthand observation of the improvements made in ship recycling practices at PHP SBRIL—widely recognized as one of the most progressive facilities in the country. Attendees toured the yard to witness ongoing efforts to ensure worker safety, environmental protection, and compliance with international standards.
“It was an absolute honor to welcome this esteemed delegation to PHP SBRIL,” said a spokesperson for the company. “As we embark on the era of HKC, visits like these are very important to create awareness about how Bangladesh has become a greener and safer destination for ship recycling.”
The visit came at a critical time. With the Hong Kong Convention set to enter into force in 2025, countries like Bangladesh—home to one of the largest ship recycling industries in the world—are taking significant steps to upgrade their infrastructure, safety measures, and environmental protocols to align with the treaty’s requirements.
JICA and ClassNK have been instrumental in supporting this transition. Both organizations have previously conducted technical training, compliance audits, and environmental impact assessments in collaboration with Bangladeshi ship recyclers. The presence of Japanese government representatives further highlighted Japan’s commitment to supporting safe ship recycling globally.
During the discussions, delegates lauded the strides made by PHP SBRIL in implementing international best practices. The yard has already achieved the Statement of Compliance (SoC) with the HKC and has invested heavily in building impermeable floors, drainage systems, hazardous waste storage, and personal protective equipment for workers.
Md Hasib Uddin and Mollah Minhaz of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board, who accompanied the delegation, emphasized the government’s role in enforcing stricter environmental and labor safety regulations. They noted that industry leaders like PHP SBRIL were setting examples for others to follow.
The delegation also included influential personalities such as Dharmesh Jani, Liton Mazumder, Sehal Anwar, Victor Mohsin, Mollah Nuved, Iqbal Morshed Ahmed FCMA, and Shoyeb Nizam, all of whom have been key stakeholders in promoting safer and greener recycling operations.
From the Japanese side, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen and Akira Okamoto expressed optimism about the future of ship recycling in Bangladesh. “What we have seen today is very encouraging. PHP SBRIL is a model yard demonstrating that responsible ship recycling is not only possible but already underway in South Asia,” said Okamoto.
As the global shipping industry faces increasing pressure to dispose of end-of-life vessels responsibly, Bangladesh’s transformation could have wide-reaching implications. With support from Japan and other international partners, the country is fast positioning itself as a leading hub for sustainable ship recycling under the HKC framework.
The successful visit underscored the value of international cooperation, transparency, and knowledge exchange in tackling one of the maritime industry’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Author: shipping inbox
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