Bangladesh ranks second globally with 17 IMO-authorised ship recycling yards

Bangladesh has solidified its position as a global leader in sustainable maritime practices, securing the second-highest ranking worldwide with 17 ship recycling yards now officially authorized by the International Maritime Organisation. This milestone follows rigorous adherence to the Hong Kong Convention, transforming facilities in the Chittagong ship breaking area. By aligning with international standards, these yards are now equipped to handle end-of-life vessels, including large bulk carriers and tankers, ensuring that dismantling processes meet stringent global environmental and safety benchmarks.

The transition of these facilities is anchored in the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which mandates strict Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) documentation. Compliance requires adherence to protocols similar to those found in MARPOL Annex I for oil pollution prevention and SOLAS Chapter XI-1 regarding maritime safety. For vessel operations and technical superintendents, this regulatory shift ensures that ship recycling plans are executed with verified documentation, reducing liability risks and ensuring that hazardous waste management aligns with international maritime law and classification society requirements.

For chief engineers and second engineers, this development necessitates a more disciplined approach to maintaining the Inventory of Hazardous Materials throughout a vessel's operational life. Technical officers must ensure that all onboard records are updated before a vessel reaches its final port of call. By maintaining accurate logs of materials, engineering teams facilitate a smoother, compliant transition during the recycling process, ultimately protecting the vessel’s owners from potential legal complications and ensuring adherence to updated international recycling mandates.