The shipbreaking industry involves dismantling old and retired ships for scrap metal, has become a vital part of Bangladesh’s economy over the past few decades. At the same time, the ship breaking industry is a hazardous sector that poses significant risks to both workers and the environment. In this data blog, I will try to explore the challenges and opportunities that it presents.
Bangladesh is among the top five ship breaking countries globally, with 122 ships dismantled in 2022 within its borders
Size and Scope of the Industry
Based on the most recent available data, Bangladesh is among the top five ship breaking countries globally, with 122 ships dismantled in 2022 within its borders. This industry directly employs over 200,000 workers, with thousands more engaged in supporting industries (Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation, 2019). Chittagong, a coastal city, is home to over 80% of all ship breaking yards in the country (Islam, 2020). Moreover, the ship breaking industry is a significant revenue earner for Bangladesh, generating nearly $1.5 billion each year (Mohammad, 2019).
Safety and Health Risks Faced by Workers
Despite the impressive economic returns, the ship breaking industry in Bangladesh comes with a high cost as it has an alarming rate of accidents and injuries. According to a 2019 report by the Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation, there were at least 21 fatalities and 139 injuries recorded in the ship breaking industry that year alone. Regrettably, injured workers in the ship breaking industry in Bangladesh often receive meager compensation, with an average payout of just $430 for injuries sustained in 2018 (Zaman, 2018).
Lack of Regulation and Oversight
One of the most pressing issues confronting the ship breaking industry in Bangladesh is the lack of proper regulation and oversight. Despite the presence of laws and regulations designed to protect workers and the environment, the industry operates with minimal oversight from government agencies.
This lack of oversight has resulted in frequent environmental degradation and a high occurrence of accidents and injuries among workers. Furthermore, the absence of appropriate regulation and oversight has led to insufficient investments in safety equipment and training for workers (Mohammad, 2019).
Encouraging Developments
However, there are also encouraging developments in the ship breaking industry in Bangladesh. Many ship breakers are taking steps towards more environmentally sustainable practices. For example, some have initiated the recycling of materials and the responsible disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, there is a growing interest in developing alternative, safer methods for ship breaking, such as using robots or other automated systems (Islam, 2020).
Ship breaking industry in Bangladesh is struggling with inadequate regulation and oversight, there is also potential for progress and innovation.
The ship breaking industry is a complex and multifaceted issue in Bangladesh, with both significant economic benefits and numerous environmental and health risks. Although the ship breaking industry in Bangladesh is struggling with inadequate regulation and oversight, there is also potential for progress and innovation.
By carefully analyzing the data and approaching the issue with thoughtfulness and nuance, we can strive towards creating a sustainable and secure future for this crucial sector in Bangladesh.
References
- Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation. (2019). Annual Report 2019. http://www.boshef.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Annual-Report-2019.pdf
- Islam, M. A. (2020). Challenges and Opportunities of Ship Breaking Industry in Bangladesh. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 6(SI), 81-92. https://doi.org/10.22034/gjesm.2020.06.SI.08
- Mohammad, M. (2019). The shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh: Problems and prospects. Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka), 14(1), 51-65. https://doi.org/10.3329/jbt.v14i1.43923
- Zaman, M. (2018, November 17). Plight of injured workers at ship breaking yards. The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/plight-injured-workers-ship-breaking-yards-1667568
- Shipbreaking Platform. (2023, February 1). Platform publishes list of ships dismantled worldwide in 2022 [Press release]. https://shipbreakingplatform.org/platform-publishes-list-2022/