400 war-hit ships eyed for recycling

Pakistan is looking at nearly 400 ships from Russia and Ukraine for dismantling at the Gadani shipbreaking yard, with plans to transform the facility into a hub of sustainable recycling.

Officials said Pakistan expects a reasonable share of these vessels, abandoned due to the war in Eastern Europe, by aligning its shipbreaking industry with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC).

The HKC, which becomes legally binding on June 26, 2025, requires all nations to adopt safe ship recycling methods that minimise hazardous waste and reduce environmental harm. Under its rules, all ships above 500 gross tonnage must carry an International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) before recycling. This ensures toxic substances are properly handled. Globally, the mandate will take full effect by 2030 and is expected to cut the environmental risks traditionally linked to shipbreaking.

Full compliance of the HKC is not only a legal obligation but also part of Pakistan's responsibility in the fight against climate change by lowering carbon footprints, curbing pollution, and promoting circular economy practices. Sources said India and Bangladesh already have established shipbreaking facilities, but Pakistan could also secure a share of the dismantling of ships used to transport fuel from Russia and Ukraine.

Officials noted that both countries are set to abandon about 400 vessels currently used in fuel transport during the conflict. These will be sent to shipbreaking yards for recycling, and Pakistan has expedited work on the development of Gadani Shipbreaking yard so it can capture part of this business.

Ship recycling, also known as shipbreaking, is the process of dismantling old vessels to recover steel and other reusable materials. It is mainly concentrated in a few countries, including Pakistan (Gadani), India (Alang), Bangladesh (Chittagong), and Turkey (Aliaga).

A federal project worth Rs12 billion has already been approved to equip Gadani with modern facilities. These include a hazardous waste treatment plant, a one-window facilitation centre, rescue and fire safety services, a hospital, clean water supply, and improved access roads. All measures are designed to support safe and sustainable recycling operations.

Stretching across 10 kilometres of coastline with around 135 designated plots, Gadani is undergoing a major transition. Eleven yards are nearing completion for eco-friendly operations, while another 20 are expected to begin green recycling by June 2026.

In a recent high-level meeting, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed the government's commitment to aligning the shipbreaking industry with HKC standards. He stressed the importance of tackling climate change through safe and eco-friendly recycling practices.

Chaudhry stressed that Gadani, ranked the world's third-largest shipbreaking yard, must evolve into a hub for sustainable recycling. He instructed the Ports and Shipping administration to issue the first green yard certificate on HKC compliance within one week.

Green ship recycling is central to both environmental protection and sustainable economic growth. The minister also called for closer collaboration with the Balochistan government to transform Gadani into a global model for climate-conscious dismantling of vessels.

To drive the transition, a multi-stakeholder committee led by the Maritime Ministry's Technical Advisor, Jawad Akhtar, has been tasked with identifying infrastructure gaps and prioritising eco-friendly developments at Gadani.

The federal government has further directed the establishment of a National Center of Excellence for Green Ports, Shipping, and Integrated Maritime Industries in Karachi. The centre will promote research, training, innovation, and ease of doing business in green maritime practices.

Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to protecting both the environment and its workforce. Through responsible recycling, Gadani can emerge as a leader in climate-friendly practices, contributing to global decarbonisation goals while creating sustainable livelihoods.