Key points
- Move aligns ship recycling with global standards
- Gadani sector modernisation prioritises safety, environment
- Industry reforms aim to boost jobs
ISLAMABAD: Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday inaugurated Pakistan’s first ship recycling yard certified under the Hong Kong International Convention, saying the development would help the country align with global standards for environmentally responsible ship recycling.
Pakistan became a signatory to the 2009 Hong Kong Convention in December 2023. The convention is designed to improve safety and environmental conditions at ship recycling facilities worldwide, as the industry continues to face growing pressure to adopt cleaner and safer practices, reports Arab News.
Shipbreaking remains an important sector in Pakistan, particularly in the coastal town of Gadani in south-western Balochistan, which was once among the world’s largest ship recycling centers. However, activity at the yards has declined in recent years amid Pakistan’s ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
Chaudhry inaugurated the Prime Green Recycling Yard in Gadani during a ceremony. He highlighted that the certification demonstrated Pakistan’s alignment with international maritime and environmental standards in a sector long criticized for hazardous working conditions.
“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 Maritime Affairs Ministry quoted him as saying.
Responsible country
“Pakistan is emerging as a responsible country in the global ship recycling industry.”
The statement highlighted that the government was working to modernize the Gadani Ship Recycling Zone, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and improved oversight.
It added that worker safety would remain a top priority as the industry transitions to cleaner and safer methods.
Chaudhry said modernizing the ship recycling sector could create thousands of jobs and conserve foreign exchange by providing locally sourced steel and materials.
“With a responsible and sustainable approach, ship recycling can become a major contributor to economic growth,” he said.
“It will reduce dependence on imports and strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base.”
Pakistan’s maritime sector, anchored by its long coastline and strategic ports such as Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, holds vast potential for the blue economy. However, it remains underutilized due to infrastructure gaps, policy inconsistencies, and limited shipping capacity.
