SHIPBREAKING
A DIRTY AND DANGEROUS INDUSTRY
SHIPBREAKING
A DIRTY AND DANGEROUS INDUSTRY
SHIPBREAKING
A DIRTY AND DANGEROUS INDUSTRY
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform is a global coalition of organisations working to reverse the environmental harm and human rights abuses caused by current shipbreaking practices and to ensure the safe and environmentally sound dismantling of end-of-life ships worldwide.
Just as the goods they transport, ships too become waste when they reach the end of their operational lives. Yet only a fraction is handled in a safe and clean manner. The vast majority of the world's end-of-life fleet, full of toxic substances, is simply broken down - by hand - on the beaches of South Asia. There, unscrupulous shipping companies exploit minimal enforcement of environmental and safety rules to maximise profits.
A GLOBAL ISSUE
Exporters of toxic ships
Ship owners from East Asia and Europe top the list of dumpers that sell ships for breaking on South Asian beaches.
Shipbreaking countries
In Bangladesh, India and Pakistan ships are broken apart directly on the beach instead of in an industrial site: a practice known as "beaching".
Since 2009:
SPOTLIGHT
The Toxic Tide – 2023 Shipbreaking Records
2023 shipbreaking records: most shipping companies continue to opt for the highest price at the worst scrapping yards.
... Read MoreBangladesh: shipping firms profit from labour abuse
A new report released by Human Rights Watch and the NGO Shipbreaking Platform uncovers the human and environmental costs of shipbreaking in Bangladesh.
... Read MoreNewsroom
SAVE THE DATE – 2nd Ship Recycling Lab
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform is ready to host its second edition of the Lab on 9 -10 October 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.
... Read MorePress Release – Union Bay residents still fighting against hazardous shipbreaking
The infamous shipbreaking company DWR persists in scrapping vessels in blatant violation of international and national rules and standards.
... Read MorePlatform News – Latest report on ship recycling in Turkey presented in Izmir
Attending the event, representatives from local NGOs, unions and concerned citizens engaged in a constructive dialogue.
... Read MorePress Release – Platform publishes list of ships dismantled worldwide in 2023
In 2023, 325 large tankers, bulkers, floating platforms, cargo- and passenger ships ended up for dirty and dangerous breaking on beaches in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
... Read MorePlatform publishes South Asia Quarterly Update #36
Eight workers suffered an accident on South Asian beaches in the last quarter of 2023.
... Read MorePress Release – Two workers killed at Gadani shipbreaking yards
NGOs join trade unions in calling for enforcement of occupational health and safety standards.
... Read MorePress Release – Ship recycling in Aliağa under the spotlight
Our new report Ship Recycling in Turkey provides a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges faced by the ship recycling sector in Aliağa and also underscores the immense potential for driving forward sustainable practices.
... Read MorePress Release – UAE takes important steps towards sustainable ship recycling
Set to take effect from June 2025, UAE new legislation brings about a ban on the beaching and landing of UAE-flagged vessels as well as all foreign vessels leaving or transiting through UAE waters enroute to scrap yards.
... Read More