Shipbreaking and recycling industry leaders have urged the government to formulate more robust policy measures that can bolster the sector, propelling it forward instead of creating barriers.
“Because of being red-listed, the shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh has witnessed a decline in its standing, leading to a loss of investors’ faith in committing funds to this industry”, said Mohammed Akther Parvez, Managing Director of PHP Automobiles Ltd.
He came up with the remarks at a workshop titled “Environmental Management of Dismantling of Ships” organised by the Department of Environment (DoE) at its head office in the capital on Wednesday.
In the workshop, Mohammed Anam Chowdhury, advisor to the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recycle Association (BSBRA), echoed Parvez's remarks, emphasizing the necessity for policy support from the government to bolster the sector.
He added, “Due to a lack of policy makers’ support, the ship recycling sector in Bangladesh might not have attained the desired position. Nevertheless, our country has made significant strides independently, and the industry holds the capacity to fulfill the country's needs.”
The leading five recycling nations accounted for 80 per cent of the Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT) necessary to meet their respective national demands, in contrast to the steel consumption of those countries.
Among these, Bangladesh contributed 64 per cent of the requirements, whereas Pakistan, India, Turkey, and China collectively contributed only 36 per cent, he informed.
"Predictions indicate that approximately 15,000 ships, totaling around 600 million DWT (deadweight tonnage), are expected to undergo recycling from the 2023 to 2032. This figure surpasses the quantity recycled in the previous ten years by more than twofold”, he also added.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin was present at the event as chief guest and said “Since our nation lacks domestic iron mines, the ship dismantling industry assumes a pivotal role in supplying substantial quantities of iron and steel, thereby meeting our country's demand.”
The main objective of the workshop is to ensure that there is no hindrance in the development of the shipping industry. So, we want this industry to move forward by preserving the environment, the minister added.
Ms Zakia Sultana, Secretary of Ministry of Industries said we already have 4 green ship yards which are equivalent to 35 yards of India. These facilities possess the capability to meet the escalating requirement for shipbreaking. Bangladesh has been experiencing an average growth of 14 per cent solely through recycling endeavors.
Director General of DoE delivered the concluding speech on the occasion.
