What's Happening: The Shipbreaking Industry in Bangladesh
The shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh is facing a significant challenge with the implementation of stricter environmental standards. Approximately 85% of ships at the end of their life are dismantled and recycled in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, an industry that has long relied on low-cost manual labor, but has also been criticized for its lack of consideration for worker safety and severe environmental pollution.
According to data from the Shipbreaking Platform NGO, which advocates for improved ship recycling standards, since 2009, 8,221 ships have ended their lives on the beaches of South Asia, 480 workers have died on the job, and 520 have been injured. These numbers do not include the severe pollution that has led to a decline in fish stocks in these areas, leaving local fishermen without work.
Why It Matters: The Risks and Consequences
The shipbreaking industry is extremely hazardous, having been shut down in industrialized countries in the 1960s and relocated to less industrialized countries, particularly in South Asia. The implementation of stricter environmental standards is crucial to protect the health and safety of workers, as well as the environment.
The pollution caused by the shipbreaking industry not only affects the health of workers but also the health of the marine ecosystem. Water and soil contamination can have long-term consequences for marine biodiversity and the food security of local communities.
The Mechanism/Science Behind It: International Regulation
The shipbreaking industry is regulated by two international treaties: the Basel Convention, which regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, and the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), a sectoral treaty adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Bangladesh has ratified both treaties: the Basel Convention in 1993 and the HKC in 2023. The latter came into force in 2025, while the former came into force in 1992. The implementation of these treaties is crucial to ensure that the shipbreaking industry is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Bigger Picture: The Shipbreaking Industry Worldwide
The shipbreaking industry is a global problem, with many countries struggling to implement stricter environmental standards. South Asia is the primary destination for ships at the end of their life, due to low labor costs and lack of regulation.
However, the implementation of stricter environmental standards in Bangladesh may have consequences for the shipbreaking industry worldwide. If Bangladesh is able to successfully implement stricter environmental standards, it may set a precedent for other countries.
What's Next: Implications and Open Questions
The implementation of stricter environmental standards in Bangladesh is a significant challenge for the shipbreaking industry. The industry will need to invest in technology and training to ensure that workers are protected and the environment is preserved.
However, there are still many open questions about how the shipbreaking industry will be regulated and how stricter environmental standards will be implemented. The international community will need to work together to ensure that the shipbreaking industry is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.