Shipbreaking goes green: What is green certification?

The shipbreaking industry, long regarded as one of the most dangerous and environmentally damaging sectors, is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation.

In Bangladesh, home to the world's leading shipbreaking hub, a growing number of yards are now turning "green," adopting cleaner and safer practices in line with international standards.

After ratifying the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships in 2023, Bangladesh pledged to bring all its shipbreaking yards under HKC compliance by 26 June 2025.

With the deadline approaching, 14 out of 153 registered shipbreaking yards have so far secured green certificates from international classification societies.

Infograph: TBS

What is green certification in shipbreaking?

Green certification in shipbreaking refers to formal recognition that a yard dismantles ships in a way that minimises harm to workers and the environment.

This includes safe waste management, proper handling of hazardous materials such as asbestos and oil sludge, use of protective equipment for workers and ensuring no pollutants are released into the surrounding air, soil or water.

The most prominent international standard is the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009.

While not yet ratified globally, many ship owners and responsible buyers have voluntarily begun aligning with its provisions.

This has led to the rise of Statements of Compliance (SoCs) issued by classification societies such as ClassNK of Japan, RINA of Italy, Lloyd's Register of the UK, Bureau Veritas and ClassIR.

In addition, ISO certifications, such as ISO 30000 for ship recycling management systems, and certificates of compliance issued under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation or national environmental laws further validate a yard's status as a green facility.

What makes a yard green?

According to experts, shipbreaking yards seeking SoCs under the Hong Kong Convention must make significant infrastructural and operational improvements to protect both workers and the surrounding ecosystem.

According to Captain Anam Chowdhury, an IMO representative and green shipbreaking consultant, such yards typically install impermeable flooring in dismantling zones to stop pollutants from seeping into the ground, alongside proper drainage with oil–water separators to treat runoff.

Ships are cut in controlled, land-based zones rather than directly on beaches, and dedicated facilities handle hazardous substances until they are handed over to certified disposal agencies.

Occupational safety is another priority, with personal protective equipment for all workers, structured safety training, on-site medical care and strict monitoring systems.

Each yard must prepare a Ship Recycling Facility Plan tailored to a vessel's Inventory of Hazardous Materials, detailing safe dismantling procedures.

Daily logs, audit trails and compliance records on waste handling, pollution control and worker safety are kept for auditors. Skilled safety officers, engineers and environmental specialists oversee operations to ensure adherence to technical and ethical standards.

These measures, experts say, allow dismantling to be done without polluting the surroundings or putting workers at undue risk—transforming what was once one of the world's dirtiest industries into a cleaner, compliant business.

Evolution of shipbreaking in Bangladesh

For decades, Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry, centred in Sitakunda, Chattogram, was one of the most hazardous in the world.

Workers dismantled end-of-life ships on open beaches with little safety gear, and toxic waste routinely flowed into the sea.

Yet the sector supplied over 60% of the country's steel and employed tens of thousands, making it both economically vital and environmentally damaging.

Reform began gathering pace in 2018 with the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, which sought to align the industry with the Hong Kong Convention.

This created the framework for regulatory oversight, investment, and long-term planning.

Since then, 14 shipbreaking yards have achieved SoC from international classification societies such as ClassNK and RINA.

Leading examples include PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries, Kabir Ship Recycling Facilities, KR Ship Recycling Limited, SN Corporation, and Arab Ship Recycling Yard.

Another 20 yards are in the process of being upgraded to meet compliance standards.

Oversight is now handled by the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) under the Ministry of Industries, which monitors yard performance, enforces regulations, and coordinates audits.

Plans are underway to establish centralised pre-cleaning facilities at ports and a formal worker training centre in partnership with international agencies.

Performance, challenges, and the global race

When it comes to the performance of the green-certified yards, PHP Ship Breaking and Kabir Ship Recycling have operated without incident, while KR Ship Recycling has maintained a clean record since 2023.

The exception was SN Corporation, where a 2024 gas tank explosion killed six workers and officials, injuring six others.

Aside from this tragedy, certified yards have avoided major safety or environmental breaches. PHP and KR Ship Recycling were recently honoured with the national Green Factory Award.

Globally, Bangladesh was a late entrant to green ship recycling compared with Turkey, whose Aliaga yards meet both Hong Kong and EU standards, and India, which boasts over 100 certified yards in Alang.

Still, with 14 certified yards and 20 more in progress out of 153 total, Bangladesh's momentum is clear.

Support from development agencies, classification societies, and shipowners seeking responsible dismantling is helping the country gain ground in the global market.

Transitioning to green practices is costly; upgrading a yard can exceed Tk30 to Tk40 crore, making financing, technology transfer, and skilled labour ongoing challenges.

But the payoff is substantial. Certified yards command higher prices per vessel, attract international clients, and help protect coastal ecosystems.

The transformation of Bangladesh's shipbreaking sector is no longer an aspiration but a growing reality.

Green certification, once seen as a burden, has become a badge of sustainability and a gateway to global business.

With continued investment, policy support, and industry commitment, Bangladesh could not only catch up with global leaders—but eventually become one.