The government has set a target of increasing the number of green-certified ship recycling yards in Bangladesh to at least 100 as part of efforts to develop the sector in line with international environmental standards.
Currently, around 31 ship recycling yards in the country have received green certification, while several others are undergoing the certification process.
Industries, Commerce and Textiles and Jute Minister Khondoker Abdul Muktadir announced the target while attending a workshop as the chief guest on Monday.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Ministry of Industries and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka to discuss a feasibility study report on establishing a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) centre under the “Bangladesh Safe and Environment-Friendly Ship Re-use Project”.
Speaking at the event, Muktadir said Bangladesh is one of the world’s leading ship recycling nations and had previously overtaken India in terms of recycled tonnage. Although the country’s position has declined slightly in recent years, it still holds a significant place in the global ship recycling industry.
The minister said ship recycling plays an important role in the national economy by creating employment opportunities and supplying essential scrap materials to the country’s steel industry.
However, he stressed that the sector must be developed through responsible and environmentally sustainable practices.
“The government’s goal is to modernise the ship recycling industry by making it safer, more sustainable and compliant with international conventions and environmental standards,” he said.
Muktadir said expanding the number of green-certified yards to over 100 would require effective enforcement of environmental regulations along with technical and financial support.
He identified hazardous waste management as one of the biggest challenges facing the ship recycling sector.
Large vessels contain various hazardous materials and toxic substances that can pose serious risks to public health and the environment if not managed properly. In this regard, he said establishing a TSDF centre is essential for the safe and scientific collection, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.
The proposed facility is expected to handle a significant portion of hazardous waste generated by ship recycling yards. It will also create opportunities to manage waste from other industries, including electronic waste.
The minister expressed hope that the TSDF centre would help Bangladesh’s industrial sector meet international environmental standards and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
He said the ship recycling industry could be transformed into a safer, modern and sustainable sector through joint efforts by the government, shipyard owners, relevant institutions and international partners.
Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan chaired the workshop.
State Minister for Environment and Forests Sheikh Faridul Islam and Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen were also present at the event.
