Despite receiving environmental and safety certifications under the Hong Kong Convention, Bangladesh's shipbreaking yards continue to experience deadly accidents, raising questions about the effectiveness of the certification process.
Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry has seen a surge in workplace fatalities and injuries since the introduction of "green yard" certifications, contradicting expectations that the new safety standards would improve conditions. According to the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, 84 accidents occurred between June 2025 and August 2026, resulting in 15 deaths and 81 injuries. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, when seven workers were killed in 2023 and the same number in 2024.
The gap between certified compliance and actual safety practices became starkly apparent on August 14 when nine workers died from hydrogen sulphide gas exposure at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Sitakunda. The vessel involved, an LNG carrier that arrived for demolition in July 2025, was part of a facility that holds a "green" license. Analysis of accident data reveals that falling objects, crane failures, and gas explosions account for most incidents, with certified yards like KR Steel Yard recording up to 29 accidents and injuries since certification began.
The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments has filed cases against three certified yards, including Ferdous Steel, over safety violations. Workers at the facility alleged that management ignores safety protocols, provides inadequate protective equipment, and continues operations on scheduled holidays. However, the facility's manager denied negligence, stating they adhere to green shipyard guidelines. The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board subsequently suspended operations at Ferdous Steel following the incident.
Environmental advocates argue that the Hong Kong Convention, which entered force in June 2025, sets insufficient standards compared to the Basel Convention on hazardous waste. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association contends that shipyards have used the shift to the weaker Hong Kong Convention as justification for abandoning stricter previous controls. With 23 yards currently certified as "green" and eight undergoing trial operations, critics question whether the certification process amounts to greenwashing rather than genuine safety improvement.
