Shipbreaking yards must go green or exit business: Shipping adviser
Comply with the Hong Kong Convention and fully convert to green yards, or leave the business altogether – Brigadier General (retd) Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the shipping ministry, has warned Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry.
"All shipbreaking yards were supposed to be converted to green yards by June 26 in line with the Hong Kong Convention. However, only 14 yards have obtained certification so far. We plan to request a six-month extension at the upcoming IMO meeting in November, but even then, those who fail to meet the standards must shut down," he told journalists after inspecting the Kabir Ship Recycling Facility in Sitakunda today.
Despite Bangladesh being the global leader in shipbreaking, it lags far behind in establishing environmentally compliant, or 'green', yards. "There is enormous potential to build a world-class industry, but previous governments failed to pay attention. As a result, this sector has fallen behind," Sakhawat added.
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He also pointed to the dangerous congestion in Sitakunda, where more than 100 shipbreaking factories operate in a small area. "We must seriously consider relocating this industry, especially since the Bay Terminal is being developed just next to this area in Halishahar."
The adviser further stated that the government is evaluating ways to finance the sector's development, acknowledging the importance of sustainable growth in the industry.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the maritime industry, he said, "Shipping, shipbuilding, and ship recycling are all interconnected with port development. Strengthening these sectors will also enrich our ports."
During the visit, Kabir Ship Recycling Facility CEO Meherul Karim and Kabir Group DMD Mohammad Karim briefed the adviser on various aspects of the industry. Commodore Kaosar Rashid, member (Engineer) of Chattogram Port Authority; Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruque; and Nazmul Islam, Acting Secretary of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) were also present during the inspection.
