In a significant move towards sustainable industrial practices, the Bangladeshi government has announced an ambitious plan to increase the number of green-certified ship recycling yards from the current 31 to over 100. Industries, Commerce and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir revealed this target while addressing a workshop at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The workshop, jointly organised by the Ministry of Industries and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aimed to discuss the feasibility study report for establishing a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) under the 'Bangladesh Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling Project.'
Muktadir highlighted that several more yards are currently undergoing the process of obtaining green certification. He emphasized the economic importance of the ship recycling sector, noting that it provides employment to a large number of people and serves as a crucial source of scrap for the country's steel industry. However, he stressed the need for the sector to grow responsibly and sustainably.
The minister pointed out that Bangladesh is one of the leading countries in the global ship recycling industry and has, at times, surpassed India in terms of the tonnage of ships recycled. Despite falling somewhat behind in recent times, Bangladesh's position in the global industry remains significant. Muktadir underscored the importance of making the industry more modern, safe, and compliant with international conventions and environmental standards.
One of the major challenges in ship recycling, according to Muktadir, is hazardous waste management. Dismantling large vessels generates various hazardous materials and waste that can pose risks to the environment and public health if not properly managed. To address this, he emphasized the need for a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for the safe and scientific collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of such waste.
The proposed TSDF is expected to play a significant role in managing a large portion of hazardous waste generated by the ship recycling industry. It will also create opportunities to manage hazardous waste from other sources, including industrial and electronic waste. Such infrastructure would help bring the industry further in line with international environmental standards and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global market.
Muktadir concluded by stating that the ship recycling sector could be transformed into a safer, modern, and sustainable industry through coordinated efforts by the government, industry owners, relevant institutions, and international partners. The workshop was chaired by Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, with State Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam and Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen also speaking. Sumiyuki Otsuki, an international expert from Japan Marine Science Company, presented the keynote paper.
