An Evaluation of the Ship Recycling Process in Bangladesh in Accordance with the Hong Kong Convention Guidelines

Ship recycling is an important phase in the life cycle of a ship, where valuable materials are reclaimed and waste is reduced. Ship recycling is a series of processes: initial vessel inspection, development of an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), decontamination, structural dismantling, and ultimate material recycling or disposal. Traditional ship breaking procedures, particularly beaching in South Asia, have faced intense global criticism for poor labor practices, lack of regulation enforcement, and extensive environmental destruction. Ship breaking laborers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals such as asbestos, heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), leading to serious health risks and regular on-site accidents. Further, the illegal dumping of toxic waste is one of the leading causes of devastating ecological degradation, including marine pollution and soil contamination. To address these issues, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) was passed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009. HKC establishes legally binding duties aimed at promoting improved safety, health, and environmental practices within ship recycling facilities. It involves the production of a certified IHM, installation of ship recycling schemes, and the imposition of strict safety controls, such as protective equipment, staff training, and emergency arrangements. Furthermore, the convention promotes the use of dry-docking or sophisticated slipway technology over the age-old beaching methods, essentially reducing the risk to the environment. Since its implementation, HKC has brought about increased international consciousness, closer government regulation, and better facilities in certified ship recycling facilities, especially in regulated nations. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the ship recycling process in Bangladesh, emphasizing the adoption of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) guidelines. It examines the transformation of industry practices under these regulations, assessing their impact on worker safety, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency. Through case studies from leading ship recycling nations, the study highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in global HKC implementation. Additionally, it explores the potential advancements toward greener, more responsible ship recycling. By critically analyzing the effectiveness of HKC in Bangladesh, this paper contributes to the broader discussion on establishing a safer and more sustainable ship recycling industry worldwide.