A new initiative focused on improving safety and environmental practices in the ship recycling industry has been launched in Pakistan. The “Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and Decent Work (SENSREC-DW)” project aims to strengthen labor rights and ensure compliance with international standards.
The first workshop, held on September 16, 2024, in Karachi, attracted around 150 participants, including representatives from the government, industry, and labor organizations, who gathered to discuss key challenges in ship recycling.
The workshop’s central theme revolved around aligning Pakistan’s ship recycling industry with international conventions like the Hong Kong Convention, Basel Convention, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) treaties.
These standards are crucial for improving working conditions, particularly in developing nations, where shipbreaking activities often involve significant risks. Participants discussed strategies to enhance safety and environmental responsibility while ensuring compliance with these global standards.
Pakistan Launches Project to Align Ship Recycling with International Safety and Environmental Protocols
One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the identification of specific project objectives, including capacity building and the development of training programs tailored to local contexts.
To further inform their efforts, participants visited ship recycling yards in Gadani, Baluchistan, where they observed the challenges faced by the industry firsthand. This visit provided practical insights into how sustainable practices can be implemented in ship recycling operations.
The project’s outcomes are expected to shape the future of ship recycling in Pakistan, promoting “decent” work and environmentally sound practices. The SENSREC-DW project builds upon the existing SENSEREC initiative in Bangladesh, which has been in place since 2015. By expanding these efforts into Pakistan, the project aims to establish a strong foundation for safe and responsible ship recycling in the region.
At the core of the initiative is the Hong Kong Convention, adopted in 2009 to ensure that ships are recycled in a manner that safeguards human health and the environment. The convention mandates specific protocols, such as maintaining an inventory of hazardous materials on ships and creating detailed recycling plans for each vessel.
With the convention set to enter into force on June 26, 2025, stakeholders are working to address potential conflicts with other regulations, such as the Basel Convention, to prevent issues for shipowners and recycling facilities.
