ASSIGNMENT #04
Maritime Innovation & Entrepreneurship Report
Title Page
Report Title: Sustainable Shipbreaking in Gadani Pakistan.
Submitted by: Yasir Amin, Abdulsamad, Ayesha khan, Raza Haider
Submitted to: Sir Akram
Date Published: 12/23/2024
Date Submitted: 12/25/2024
Institution: Bahria University Karachi Campus
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
o 1.1 Overview of Gadani Shipbreaking Yard
o 1.2 Historical Significance
o 1.3 Key Economic Contributions
o 1.4 Overview of Challenges
2. Current Problems and Challenges
o 2.1 Environmental Concerns
2.1.1 Toxic Waste Disposal
2.1.2 Air and Water Pollution
2.1.3 Lack of Waste Management Infrastructure
o 2.2 Worker Safety Issues
2.2.1 Insufficient Safety Equipment
2.2.2 High Accident Rates
2.2.3 Lack of Medical Facilities
o 2.3 Economic and Regulatory Challenges
2.3.1 Competition from Modern Shipyards
2.3.2 Weak Regulatory Oversight
3. Comparative Analysis: Gadani vs. Alang Shipyard (India)
o 3.1 Overview of Alang Shipyard
o 3.2 Key Differences in Practices
o 3.3 Lessons from Alang’s Green Standards
4. Proposed Sustainable Model for Gadani
o 4.1 Environmental Sustainability
4.1.1 Green Dismantling Techniques
4.1.2 Waste Management System
4.1.3 Pollution Monitoring
o 4.2 Worker Safety Enhancements
4.2.1 Safety Training Programs
4.2.2 Provision of PPE
4.2.3 Emergency Response Facilities
o 4.3 Regulatory Framework and Governance
4.3.1 Adopt International Standards
4.3.2 Government Incentives
4.3.3 Regular Inspections
5. Conclusion
o 6.1 Summary of Proposed Changes
o 6.2 Future Outlook for Gadani Shipbreaking Yard
o 6.3 Potential for Global Leadership in Sustainable Ship Recycling
1. Introduction
Gadani Shipbreaking Yard, situated on the coast of Balochistan,
Pakistan, has historically been one of the largest and most significant
shipbreaking facilities in the world. Since its establishment in the
early 1970s, the yard gained prominence due to its cost-effective
dismantling services, strategic location, and the increasing global
demand for scrap steel. At its peak in the 1980s, the yard dismantled
around 1 million tonnes of ships annually, contributing significantly
to Pakistan’s steel industry and providing employment for thousands
of workers.
However, despite its substantial economic contributions, Gadani
Shipbreaking Yard has been frequently criticized for unsafe working
conditions and environmental degradation resulting from outdated
practices. A tragic explosion in 2016, which resulted in 26 fatalities,
underscored the urgent need for reforms to improve worker safety
and environmental sustainability within the yard.
2. Current Problems and Challenges
This section outlines the key environmental, worker safety, and
economic challenges currently facing Gadani Shipbreaking Yard.
2.1 Environmental Concerns
The environmental issues at Gadani are a significant concern:
Toxic Waste Disposal: Hazardous materials such as asbestos, heavy
metals, and oil residues are inadequately managed, leading to soil
and water contamination.
Air and Water Pollution: The open burning of materials and frequent
oil spills contribute to significant air and water pollution, impacting
both the local ecosystem and marine life.
Lack of Waste Management Infrastructure: There is no
comprehensive system for managing or recycling the hazardous by-
products generated during the ship dismantling process.
2.2 Worker Safety Issues
Gadani Shipbreaking Yard faces critical worker safety issues:
Insufficient Safety Equipment: Workers frequently lack personal
protective equipment (PPE) and are not properly trained in safe
dismantling techniques.
High Accident Rates: Accidents, including explosions and falls, occur
frequently due to outdated technology and poor safety protocols.
Lack of Medical Facilities: The yard has minimal on-site medical
support, leading to delayed emergency responses in the event of
accidents.
2.3 Economic and Regulatory Challenges
The economic and regulatory challenges further complicate the
situation:
Competition from Modern Shipyards: Gadani faces increasing
competition from advanced shipyards like Alang, India, which
comply with international green standards and provide more
sustainable ship recycling solutions.
Weak Regulatory Oversight: Limited enforcement of international
conventions, such as the Basel and Hong Kong conventions, results
in substandard environmental and safety practices at Gadani
Shipbreaking Yard.
3. Comparative Analysis: Gadani vs. Alang Shipyard (India)
A comparative analysis of Gadani and Alang Shipyards highlights the
key differences in practices and standards:
Alang Shipyard: India’s Alang Shipyard is known for its
implementation of international green standards, ensuring safer and
more environmentally responsible ship recycling practices. The
yard’s approach includes modern technology, comprehensive waste
management, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Gadani Shipbreaking Yard: In contrast, Gadani has lagged behind due
to outdated practices, lack of modern technology, and insufficient
safety and environmental measures. To remain competitive in the
global market and improve its environmental footprint, Gadani must
learn from Alang’s successful green initiatives.
4. Proposed Sustainable Model for Gadani
This section proposes a sustainable model for Gadani Shipbreaking
Yard, focusing on environmental sustainability, worker safety
enhancements, and regulatory improvements.
4.1 Environmental Sustainability
To address environmental concerns, the following strategies are
proposed:
Green Dismantling Techniques: The adoption of advanced methods
such as hydro-blasting and modern cutting tools would minimize
pollution and increase the efficiency of the dismantling process.
Waste Management System: Establishing a comprehensive system
to treat hazardous waste and recycle ship materials would
significantly reduce the environmental impact of shipbreaking.
Pollution Monitoring: Implementing a robust pollution monitoring
system would allow for regular tracking of air and water quality,
ensuring that environmental standards are consistently met.
4.2 Worker Safety Enhancements
To improve worker safety, the following measures are
recommended:
Safety Training Programs: Regular workshops should be held to train
workers on handling hazardous materials and operating machinery
safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
Provision of PPE: Ensuring the availability of personal protective
equipment, such as helmets, gloves, and goggles, for all workers is
crucial to improving safety.
Emergency Response Facilities: On-site medical units should be
established, and teams should be trained in accident response
protocols to ensure swift and effective action in the event of an
emergency.
4.3 Regulatory Framework and Governance
To strengthen regulatory compliance, the following steps should be
taken:
Adopt International Standards: Aligning practices at Gadani with
international conventions such as the Basel and Hong Kong
conventions would ensure that the yard adheres to global
environmental and safety standards.
Government Incentives: The government should offer tax breaks or
subsidies to companies that adopt green recycling methods,
encouraging investment in sustainable technologies and practices.
Regular Inspections: Frequent inspections by relevant authorities
would ensure that Gadani Shipbreaking Yard complies with
environmental and safety regulations, helping to maintain high
standards.
5. Conclusion
Gadani Shipbreaking Yard has the potential to reclaim its position as
a leading hub for shipbreaking by adopting sustainable practices and
prioritizing worker safety. By learning from the green initiatives
implemented at Alang Shipyard, Gadani can transform its
operations, balancing economic growth with environmental
stewardship. With the adoption of cutting-edge technologies,
improved safety measures, and stricter regulatory frameworks,
Gadani can set a new benchmark for sustainable ship recycling in the
region and globally.
This formal report presents the need for reform and the benefits of
a sustainable transformation at Gadani Shipbreaking Yard. Through
strategic changes in environmental practices, worker safety
measures, and regulatory compliance, the yard can become a model
for shipbreaking yards worldwide.
