Ship recycling process in Bangladesh and a survey-based risk assessment with mitigation proposal

Abstract

Ship recycling industries play a significant role in the economic development of South Asian countries, including Bangladesh. In the wake of entering the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) in June 2025, the industry aims to improve its overall safety standards cost-effectively. However, due to the restrictive nature of the industry, solutions based on field surveys are limited. This study successfully articulates the indigenous industry knowledge of the recycling process in Bangladesh after carefully studying the practices followed by the existing ship recycling yards in the country. Based on field surveys conducted across 18 ship recycling yards in Bangladesh, the risk patterns inherent in the ship recycling industry are studied; for example, highly hazardous tasks in the ship recycling process are found to be (i) explosion hazards during primary cutting operations at the intertidal zone, (ii) falling hazards during inspections at the outer anchorage, (iii) falling and crushing hazards during block cutting and handling heavy objects. Industry experts and scholars consider the perception of the risk pattern regarding the current practices of ship recycling activities to cover a broader perspective of this issue. The correlation of survey outcomes with actual accident cases is comparable. Finally, practical recommendations for minimising risks have been recommended, especially in high-risk workplace areas. The study adds knowledge to the existing literature by giving a clear picture of evidence-based findings for this sector and helps improve the industry's overall safety standard.

Keywords

• Ship recycling
• Risk patterns
• Field surveys
• High-risk workplace