Organization: 214 Ships Scrapped at Asian Beaches - South Asia's Shipbreaking Crisis Persists Despite New Global Safety Rules

Shipbreaking in South Asia remains a major industry, with Bangladesh and India leading global dismantling activity. Despite new international rules, safety and environmental concerns persist as hundreds of vessels continue to be scrapped on beaches. The latest figures show little change in working conditions, even after the introduction of stricter standards in 2025.

The Hong Kong Convention, an international agreement on safe ship recycling, officially took effect in June 2025. Yet, by the end of that year, no ships had been scrapped in certified yards in Bangladesh or India under its guidelines. Critics, including the Shipbreaking Platform, argue the convention fails to guarantee safe or environmentally sound practices.

In 2025, a total of 214 vessels were dismantled on Asian beaches, with 179 of them in South Asia alone. The industry also saw at least 11 worker deaths and 62 injuries in the region. Meanwhile, experts predict a surge in scrapping as hundreds of ageing tankers from shadow fleets reach the end of their service.

No major safety incidents or environmental violations were officially recorded in available reports. However, the lack of compliance with the convention's standards has raised doubts about its effectiveness in improving conditions.

The shipbreaking industry in South Asia continues to operate largely outside the new global regulations. With more vessels expected to be scrapped in the near future, the gap between official standards and on-the-ground realities remains wide. Workers still face high risks, while environmental protections stay under scrutiny.