Home
+
Published : 26 Jul 2025, 11:52 PM
Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain has warned that shipbreaking yards unable to meet “green yard” standards must wind up their businesses.
He also said that the government would assess whether this industry could be developed in places other than Chattogram.
After visiting a shipbreaking yard in the port city’s Sitakunda on Saturday, he said: “Those which cannot become green yards will, unfortunately, have to close their business. So far, only 16 yards have obtained green certificates. The rest haven’t.
“June has gone. It is July now. At the upcoming IMO (International Maritime Organization) conference in November, this question will definitely arise -- what will happen to the remaining shipbreaking yards?
“I still don’t know the answer. We may have to negotiate with the IMO for an extension.”
He continued, “Even if we get an extension, how many will be able to meet the standards within that time? What is their financial condition? Can they actually manage it?”
When yard owners raised the issue of financial hardships in converting to green shipyards and requested government support, the advisor responded: “If their association brings up the issue of financing, we will assist them through the shipping and labour ministries.
“I hope that after my visit, we’ll send a delegation from the industries ministry to discuss this issue. At the moment, I can’t engage in such discussions myself, as I’m not affiliated with that ministry.”
Highlighting the priority of environmental protection in the sector, he said: “Both environment and development are important. Since we are shifting to environmentally friendly systems, we will soon sit down to discuss atmospheric issues.”
After inspecting the shipbreaking yard, the advisor spoke with industry stakeholders and journalists.
He noted, “When 113 yards are set up in such a small area, it becomes hazardous.
“We now need to explore if we can relocate this industry elsewhere -- outside of Chattogram. Is it even feasible? That needs to be assessed.”
He also mentioned the need to classify ships by size: “Where large ships can’t come, maybe small ones can. But this coastline has strategic importance too.”
Sakhawat added, “When terminals are developed, they occupy a large area. Look at how much the Chattogram Port has expanded. So, it may not be feasible to have up to 150 yards here anymore. We must look for alternative locations.”
“If we want to build this as a proper industry, a lot of work remains that hasn’t been done before. It hasn’t received much attention, but now it will,” he said.
He stressed that the shipbreaking industry has made significant progress and is close to meeting international standards, adding: “This sector hasn’t received the attention it deserves. I will inform the relevant ministries. I want the shipping ministry to expand its involvement.”
He also believes the industry could progress further if shipbuilders get involved.
According to the 2009 Hong Kong Convention of the IMO, adopted in the presence of its member states, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other stakeholders, it was agreed that dismantling old ships must not pose risks to humans or the environment.
Shipyards were given a deadline of Jun 26 this year to convert into green shipyards and ensure environmentally compliant shipbreaking practices.
