Pakistan to Break Down 400 Abandoned Ships at Gadani Shipbreaking Yard
Pakistan aims to break down almost 400 abandoned ships from Europe at the Gadani shipbreaking yard. The ships, which are primarily designed for fuel carriage, were left in idle status because of the current war in Eastern Europe, especially the war between Russia and Ukraine.
This is part of Pakistan’s vision to make Gadani a world-class environmentally friendly ship recycling hub, as per international norms. The aim is to comply with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), an international treaty that will render environmentally friendly ship recycling methods legally binding beginning June 2025. The HKC will provide for the dismantling of all vessels larger than 500 tons in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts and addresses hazardous wastes safely. By 2030, the HKC will be fully implemented, placing tighter regulations on ship recycling.
While countries like India and Bangladesh already have strong shipbreaking industries, Pakistan aims to capture a share of the market, especially with vessels abandoned due to the war. The Gadani shipbreaking yard, one of the largest in the world, is being upgraded to meet these new environmental and safety standards.
A federal project of Rs12 billion has been approved to upgrade the Gadani yard. It includes the construction of a plant for hazardous waste treatment, enhancing fire safety, upgrading access roads, and providing a clean supply of water. All these upgrades will ensure the shipbreaking process is safer and more environmentally friendly.
The government of Pakistan wants to develop Gadani as the preferred green ship recycling facility, prioritizing environmental sustainability. There is a committee that has been established to recognize gaps in infrastructure and to position the yard at international levels.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, stressed the significance of this change. He underscored the need for Gadani to be a world example in sustainable ship dismantling and directed the Ports and Shipping administration to issue the first green yard certificate under the regulations of HKC within a week.
In addition, the government revealed plans to set up a National Center of Excellence for Green Ports, Shipping, and Integrated Maritime Industries in Karachi. The center will aim to foster research, training, and innovation in environmentally friendly maritime operations.
