Japanese Delegation Visits Chattogram Yard to Strengthen Ties on Sustainable Ship Recycling
Chattogram, Bangladesh – In a significant development for the global maritime and ship recycling industries, a high-level Japanese delegation visited the SN Corporation Unit-3 ship recycling yard in Chattogram yesterday. The visit marked a meaningful step toward enhancing cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh in advancing safe, environmentally sound, and sustainable ship recycling practices.
The delegation comprised senior representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), and leading shipping companies including “K” Line, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and NYK Line. They were joined by distinguished members from ClassNK, Japan’s leading classification society, as well as officials from the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) and the Ministry of Industries.
The visit to SN Corporation’s Unit-3 yard comes at a time when Bangladesh is increasingly positioning itself as a frontrunner in sustainable ship recycling. Chattogram, home to one of the world’s largest ship recycling hubs, has long been central to global end-of-life ship dismantling. However, growing international attention on environmental safeguards, worker safety, and adherence to international conventions has placed the sector under greater scrutiny.
For SN Corporation, hosting such a distinguished international delegation was not only an honor but also an opportunity to showcase the advancements being made at its facilities. The yard, one of the most modernized in the region, has steadily worked toward aligning operations with global best practices, particularly those outlined in the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).
During the tour, delegates were briefed on the yard’s infrastructure upgrades and operational processes designed to improve safety, waste management, and environmental compliance. These included impermeable floors to prevent soil and water contamination, safe asbestos handling procedures, and the adoption of modern lifting and cutting technologies aimed at reducing risks to workers.
Officials from the Japanese side expressed keen interest in the progress Bangladesh has made in professionalizing the sector. Representatives from ClassNK highlighted the importance of certification systems and audits, noting that many Bangladeshi yards are now seeking HKC-compliance certification, which is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for securing dismantling contracts from top shipowners.
A senior representative from MLIT commended the efforts of SN Corporation and the broader Bangladeshi industry, emphasizing that Japan views Bangladesh as an essential partner in promoting a responsible global ship recycling ecosystem. “Japan is committed to collaborating with Bangladesh to ensure ship recycling evolves into a model for sustainability and safety. This visit reinforces our mutual goal of protecting both people and the environment,” the official said.
The delegation also held discussions with Bangladeshi industry regulators and stakeholders on strengthening bilateral ties. Topics included training programs for workers, knowledge exchange on hazardous waste management, financing mechanisms for infrastructure upgrades, and potential partnerships between Japanese shipowners and Bangladeshi yards.
The presence of senior officials from the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) and the Ministry of Industries underscored the government’s commitment to reforming the sector. They highlighted ongoing national initiatives to improve compliance with international standards, including the implementation of labor welfare schemes, stricter monitoring, and investment in modern facilities.
An official from the Ministry of Industries noted, “We welcome Japan’s proactive engagement in this vital sector. Through collaboration, we can ensure that Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry not only remains globally competitive but also sets a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility.”
Japan’s shipowners are among the largest contributors to the global shipping fleet, and their choice of recycling destinations carries enormous influence. By engaging directly with Bangladeshi yards, Japanese stakeholders can better assess the progress being made and provide constructive feedback that helps elevate standards further.
For Bangladesh, closer ties with Japan could translate into stronger access to recycling contracts from leading shipowners, enhanced credibility on the international stage, and greater opportunities for investment in green technologies.
The visit concluded with an affirmation of continued dialogue and cooperation. Both sides expressed optimism that this collaboration would serve as a model for other ship recycling nations and stakeholders worldwide.
As global shipping looks toward a more sustainable future, the role of responsible ship recycling cannot be overstated. With initiatives like this high-level exchange, Bangladesh is demonstrating its commitment to reform and its readiness to embrace international partnerships.
For SN Corporation, the event was a milestone that reinforced its position as a leader in the country’s evolving ship recycling industry. By welcoming international scrutiny and collaboration, the company underscored its pledge to contribute to a safer and greener maritime sector.
Author: shipping inbox
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