First ship-recycling facility inaugurated, certification termed ‘historic’ achievement

KARACHI: Pakistan has inaugurated its first ship recycling facility certified under the Hong Kong International Convention, marking a significant shift toward safer and more environmentally responsible practices in an industry long plagued by hazardous working conditions.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the milestone during a ceremony at the Prime Green Recycling Yard, describing the certification as a historic achievement that demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to meeting international maritime and environmental standards.

“This is a historic achievement for Pakistan’s maritime sector,” Chaudhry said. “The success of the Prime Green Recycling Yard is a matter of national pride and a clear signal that Pakistan is meeting global benchmarks for environmentally friendly ship recycling.”

The Hong Kong Convention, adopted under the International Maritime Organisation, establishes standards for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. The framework addresses critical issues including hazardous materials management, worker safety protocols, and waste disposal practices.

According to the federal minister, Pakistan has now aligned its ship recycling operations with IMO requirements, with reforms initiated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs beginning to take practical effect.

Shipbreaking remains a significant industry in Pakistan, particularly in Gadani, a coastal town in Balochistan that

was once among the world’s largest ship recycling hubs. The sector has faced international scrutiny over worker safety concerns and environmental practices.

Chaudhry said the government is working to modernise the Gadani Ship Recycling Zone through infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and enhanced oversight mechanisms. He emphasised that worker safety would be central to the industry’s transformation.

“Protecting the lives and health of workers involved in ship recycling is our foremost concern,” the minister said, adding that improved safety protocols would be enforced across the sector.

The minister acknowledged the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association’s role in organising and formalising the industry, calling public-private cooperation essential for sustainable growth.

Chaudhry said a modern ship recycling industry could generate thousands of jobs while conserving foreign exchange by supplying locally sourced steel and materials to domestic industries, reducing import dependence and strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base.

The minister pledged continued investment and policy support to position Pakistan as a regional leader in safe and sustainable maritime activities, describing the HKC certification as the first step in a broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing the country’s maritime sector standing on the global stage.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026