News / Safer shipbreaking a reality after Bangladesh signs up to HK convention

The Hong Kong Convention on shipbreaking has entered into force, following its ratification by the world’s joint-largest shipbreaker, Bangladesh.

Good news for workers, the convention (HKC) includes specifications for how scrapyards are to dismantle vessels, including inventories of potential harmful substances onboard, including asbestos, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, as well as ensuring prompt emergency medical care.

The history of practices at facilities in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan has not been a proud one, with vessels being run onto beaches and ...