Shipbreaking Industry Faces Challenges Despite New Regulations
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has released a report detailing the state of the shipbreaking industry in 2025, revealing that only 321 vessels were dismantled during the year. This figure marks a significant decline from over 400 ships dismantled annually in the previous three years and a peak of over 1,000 ships per year a decade ago. The report emphasizes the urgent need for improved adherence to safety and environmental regulations, particularly in light of the Hong Kong Convention, which came into effect mid-year. Despite this regulatory milestone, the performance of shipbreakers has shown little improvement, raising concerns about the industry’s future.
The report highlights that a staggering 85 percent of the ships sold for dismantling in 2025 were sent to South Asia, with Bangladesh and India as the primary destinations. A total of 214 ships were dismantled in these countries, contributing to over 6 million gross tons of material. In contrast, Turkey received only 49 ships, while 44 were dismantled in other regions, and a mere 14 ships were processed within the European Union. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform warns that as older vessels begin to be dismantled, safety and environmental issues could worsen unless proactive measures are taken.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Gaps Persist
The safety record in the shipbreaking industry remains troubling, with the report indicating that 11 workers lost their lives in 2025, and an additional 62 were injured in South Asian yards. Among the most alarming incidents was an explosion on an oil tanker being dismantled in Bangladesh, which injured eight workers. The NGO highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and better reporting practices to protect workers in this hazardous industry.
Despite the Hong Kong Convention’s intent to enhance safety and environmental standards, the report reveals that only 17 shipbreaking yards in Bangladesh have been approved under the convention, while none of the more than 100 yards in India have received authorization. The convention mandates that all ships over 500 gross tons must have specific recycling plans that account for hazardous materials. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently discussing potential enhancements to the convention, which was first adopted in 2009 but only came into force in 2023.
Global Shipbreaking Report Highlights Safety Concerns and Environmental Impact
Ingvild Jenssen, Executive Director and Founder of the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, has called for the IMO to phase out the beaching method of dismantling ships, which poses significant environmental and safety risks. Jenssen also emphasized the need for better enforcement of the Basel Convention’s restrictions on hazardous waste trade, urging accountability from states that control ship owners.
As the backlog of aging vessels begins to clear, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform warns that hundreds of tankers, including those from the so-called shadow fleet, may soon be sold for dismantling. These vessels often evade regulations, with owners seeking cash and cryptocurrency deals to bypass sanctions. The report also notes that China, South Korea, and the UAE are significant sources of ships sent to South Asian yards, despite existing regulations aimed at preventing such practices.
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform continues to advocate for safer and more environmentally sound shipbreaking practices as it approaches its 20th anniversary, aiming to address the ongoing human rights and environmental abuses within the industry.
