DW Documentary has published a video which looks into shipbreaking and, in particular, the conditions in Chittagong, Bangladesh, which is home to one of the world’s largest ship breaking yards.
According to the documentary, most of the world’s decommissioned cargo ships, about 80%, end up in South Asian shipbreaking yards, such as those in Chittagong, Bangladesh. These yards dismantle vessels that often contain hazardous materials like asbestos, oil, and heavy metals, which leach into the environment.
Impact on biodiversity
The video highlights how this process contaminates coastal waters and endangers both marine life and human health. For instance, a fisherman from Sitakunda, notes a severe decline in fish populations, which he attributes to pollution from beached ships. Marine biodiversity experts corroborate this, citing the loss of 25 fish species and near extinction of macrobenthos in the region over the past two decades.
Working conditions and public health implications
Working conditions for shipbreakers, according to anonymous workers in the documentary, are equally grim. Despite formal promises of protective equipment, workers often rely on makeshift gear like towels for masks. In 2022, NGOs recorded at least 10 deaths and 33 injuries in these yards, with many workers suffering long-term health issues such as chronic headaches and respiratory problems. Environmental officials acknowledge the problem and have issued fines, but admit that comprehensive studies are still lacking. Research already indicates that heavy metal concentrations near the shipyards exceed World Health Organization standards.
Regulatory gaps that need to be addressed
International law has attempted to address this, but with limited success. The documentary points to the European Union’s 2013 Ship Recycling Regulation, which prohibits EU-flagged ships from being scrapped outside certified greenyards. However, these rules are often evaded by reflagging vessels through third-party buyers.
NGO representatives call this practice a “toxic form of colonialism,” where wealthy nations offload environmental harm onto poorer countries.
Bangladesh has recently ratified the Hong Kong Convention on Safe Ship Recycling, aiming to improve safety standards. One local shipyard owner featured in the documentary claims to follow these standards, using European-imported machinery and waste separation systems.
However, environmental activists criticize the convention for legitimizing beaching, a practice banned in countries like Norway. They argue that environmental standards should not differ based on a country’s wealth, as the health impacts are universal.
Ultimately, the documentary concludes that while ship recycling provides vital economic support in Bangladesh, the practice remains deeply flawed due to inadequate regulation, enforcement failures, and persistent exploitation.
Without substantial reforms and genuine international accountability, the environmental and human cost of shipbreaking will continue to burden communities.
