The Toxic Tide

According to new data released today by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, 409 ocean-going commercial ships and floating offshore units were sold to the scrap yards in 2024. Of these, 255 of the largest tankers, bulkers, floating platforms, cargo- and passenger ships ended up on the beaches of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, amounting to 80% of the gross tonnage dismantled globally.

Last year, at least 9 workers lost their lives when breaking apart vessels on the beach of Chattogram, Bangladesh, and another 45 were severely injured.

"We have been witnessing this environmental and human rights scandal for too long. All ship owners are aware of the dire situation at the beaching yards and the lack of capacity to safely handle the many toxic materials onboard vessels. Yet, with the help of scrap dealers, the vast majority choose to scrap their end-of-life fleet in South Asia as that is where they can make the highest profits."

Ingvild Jenssen - Executive Director and Founder - NGO Shipbreaking Platform

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