Sustainable ship recycling in Bangladesh: A path to a greener future

Published: 20 November 2024

Bangladesh has emerged as a significant player in the global ship recycling industry, contributing to the country's economy. The ship recycling sector in Bangladesh generates approximately US $770 million in output annually. This industry is a crucial source of steel, with 50-60% of recovered steel scraps being used in re-rolling mills, accounting for over half of the domestically sourced feedstock for steel manufacturing.

The industry provides direct employment to between 20,000 and 40,000 people and indirectly supports over a million jobs in related sectors such as rolling mills, secondary steel production, oxygen plants, equipment trading, furniture manufacturing, electronics, and local services. As of the latest records, there are 32 ship recycling facilities currently in operation out of the 116. Additionally, five facilities have obtained voluntary Statements of Compliance to the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), ensuring environmentally sound recycling practices.

The Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling (SENSREC) project, supported by external bodies, has been instrumental in enhancing national capacities for safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships in Bangladesh. The project is currently in its third phase, with objectives to support the Government of Bangladesh in complying with HKC requirements and developing facilities for treatment, storage, and disposal.

The industry has also made strides in worker training and healthcare. With ongoing development and a commitment to sustainability, the ship recycling industry in Bangladesh is poised to continue its path towards a greener future, contributing to both economic growth and environmental protection.

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