The Ship Breakers of Bangladesh: Exploring the World of Shipbreaking in Chittagong

🌊The global economy heavily depends on the shipping industry, with massive cargo carriers responsible for transporting 90% of international trade.

🔥Shipbreaking, the process of salvaging decommissioned ships, is a dangerous job primarily done in countries like Bangladesh due to relaxed environmental and labor regulations.

💼Chittagong, Bangladesh, is a hub for shipbreaking, with over 80 active shipyards and approximately 200,000 workers employed in the industry.

💀Shipbreaking workers face numerous health and safety hazards, including exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and PCBs.

🌍The shipbreaking industry plays a significant role in Bangladesh's economy, providing a source of employment and a supply of salvaged steel for development.

Why is shipbreaking primarily done in countries like Bangladesh?

—Shipbreaking is primarily done in countries like Bangladesh due to relaxed environmental and labor regulations, allowing for cheaper operations and a lower cost of labor.

How many workers are employed in the shipbreaking industry in Chittagong?

—Approximately 200,000 workers are employed in the shipbreaking industry in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

What are the main hazards faced by shipbreaking workers?

—Shipbreaking workers face numerous hazards, including exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and PCBs, as well as accidents caused by the nature of the work environment.

Why is shipbreaking important for Bangladesh's economy?

—Shipbreaking plays a significant role in Bangladesh's economy by providing employment opportunities and a supply of salvaged steel for development.

How does the shipbreaking industry impact the environment?

—The shipbreaking industry poses significant environmental risks due to the improper disposal of hazardous materials and the pollution caused by the dismantling process.

00:02Join us in exploring the world of shipbreaking in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

00:25The global economy heavily relies on the shipping industry, with massive cargo carriers facilitating international trade.

01:54Most shipbreaking workers come from rural parts of Bangladesh, where job opportunities are scarce.

03:47Chittagong's shipbreaking industry employs around 200,000 workers recruited from impoverished rural areas.

06:37Shipyard accidents and exposure to hazardous materials pose significant risks to shipbreaking workers.

07:34Workers in the shipbreaking industry operate without proper safety measures or protective equipment.

08:09European shipping companies often do not clean ships before bringing them to Bangladesh, posing hazards to workers and the environment.

08:53The shipbreaking industry persists in Bangladesh due to low standards and a lack of concern for the environment and human rights.