Update 17 Aug 2026, 22:32 UTC:
On August 14, a tragic incident at Ferdous Steel in Chattogram, Bangladesh, resulted in the deaths of nine workers due to toxic gas exposure while dismantling the LNG carrier MT RASI (IMO 9176008). Among the deceased was a 17-year-old worker.
In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform has condemned the circumstances surrounding the accident, noting that it occurred at a yard certified under the Hong Kong Convention (HKC). This incident raises significant concerns about the safety standards maintained at shipbreaking facilities, particularly in South Asia.
Regulatory Context
Just one month prior, the Bangladesh Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments had initiated legal action against Ferdous Steel for repeated failures related to occupational safety. Despite this oversight, the tragedy has shattered the illusion of safety that such certifications can convey. In fact, a stark contrast exists between regulatory compliance on paper and actual hazardous working conditions.
Incidents in the Shipbreaking Industry
Data provided by The Daily Star reveals that there have been 84 accidents reported at Bangladeshi shipbreaking yards since the HKC came into effect in June 2025. These incidents have led to 15 deaths and 81 injuries, affirming the dangerous reality faced by workers in this sector.
Ingvild Jenssen, the Executive Director of the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, highlighted that hazardous end-of-life ships should not be sent for recycling unless guaranteed environmentally sound management practices are followed. The ineffectiveness of certifications under the HKC compared to the stricter Basel Convention underscores the ongoing challenges in improving shipbreaking safety.
Shipowners and cash buyers, including the South Korean company H-Line Shipping, which owned the MT RASI, bear responsibility for selecting shipbreaking yards. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has raised alarms about H-Line’s practices, emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels of the ship dismantling process.
Calls for Action
In light of the incident, the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has demanded an independent investigation along with the shutdown of the Ferdous Steel yard. There is growing pressure on Bangladeshi authorities to conduct regular unannounced inspections and to enforce safety and environmental regulations strictly.
This tragedy is not just a local issue but serves as an urgent reminder to international regulators, particularly as the European Commission considers approving shipbreaking facilities that continue operations directly on unregulated beaches. The repercussions of inadequate safety measures can reverberate across the global supply chain, significantly impacting the reputation of responsible shipowners and operators.
Why It Matters
The shipbreaking industry faces critical challenges rooted in regulatory compliance and worker safety. This tragic event exposes the disparity between compliance certifications and on-the-ground realities in Chattogram. For operators and shipowners, the implications are significant; accountability extends beyond disposal choices to impact corporate responsibility and ethical practices. The industry must address these systemic flaws to prevent future tragedies and align operational practices with safety norms. Ongoing investigations and enhanced regulatory frameworks will be vital in safeguarding workers in shipbreaking facilities across South Asia and beyond.
