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About Us
The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) was established on 25 February 2020 with a 14-member committee. The Secretary of the Ministry of Industries serves as the Chairman, while the Additional Secretary (Ship Recycling, BIRA, BEKHA & BIM) is assigned as the Director General of the Board.
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Anchoring Change: The Role of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) in Building a Sustainable Maritime Future
- Introduction: Bangladesh’s Maritime Awakening
On the southern shores of Bangladesh, where the Bay of Bengal whispers tales of steel and salt, a silent revolution is underway. Once seen as a rough and hazardous trade, ship recycling has evolved into a story of renewal and sustainability. At the heart of this transformation stands the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) — a regulatory guardian steering one of the world’s most critical industries toward environmental responsibility, global compliance, and economic resilience.
The BSRB represents Bangladesh’s determination to balance industrial ambition with environmental stewardship — ensuring that every dismantled vessel contributes not to pollution, but to progress.
- The Genesis of BSRB
The establishment of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board was not an afterthought; it was a response to a global call for safer and greener ship recycling practices. As international attention grew around environmental hazards and unsafe labor in shipbreaking yards, Bangladesh recognized the need for a strong regulatory authority.
Formed under the Ministry of Industries, the BSRB acts as the central regulatory and supervisory body overseeing the ship recycling industry. Its foundation aligns with global commitments such as the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC 2009) and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes.
- Mandate and Core Responsibilities
BSRB serves as the fulcrum of Bangladesh’s ship recycling governance framework. Its primary responsibilities include:
• Licensing and compliance monitoring of ship recycling facilities across the coastal belt of Chattogram.
• Implementation of national legislation such as the Ship Recycling Act 2018 and Ship Recycling Rules 2023.
• Environmental and safety oversight, ensuring each yard maintains standards for hazardous material management, waste disposal, and worker protection.
• Coordination with national agencies, including the Department of Environment (DoE), Department of Explosives, and the Labour Directorate.
• Capacity building, providing training, certification, and awareness programs for ship recyclers and laborers.
BSRB thus acts not just as a regulator but as an enabler of modernization and compliance.
- Towards Green and Safe Ship Recycling
The transformation from traditional to green ship recycling is BSRB’s defining mission. Bangladesh once faced global criticism for poor environmental and safety practices. Today, through BSRB’s intervention, the country is steadily moving toward Green Ship Recycling Facilities (GSRFs).
The Board promotes the adoption of international standards such as ISO 30000, HKC guidelines, and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU-SRR). It has introduced structured systems for Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), Toxic Substances Disposal Facilities (TSDF), and emergency response protocols.
Moreover, BSRB has initiated regular audits, capacity assessments, and certification drives to ensure all operational yards are compliant and transparent in their activities.
- BSRB’s Global Commitments and Collaborations
To achieve global credibility, BSRB has built strong partnerships with international organizations. Among its key collaborations are:
• International Maritime Organization (IMO): For policy harmonization and capacity-building initiatives.
• Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF): For research and technical support in sustainable ship recycling.
• UNEP and UNDP: For environmental governance and hazardous waste management assistance.
• EU-Bangladesh Green Transition Program: Supporting compliance with the EU’s environmental standards.
These alliances not only enhance BSRB’s institutional strength but also position Bangladesh as a model for responsible ship recycling among developing nations.
- The Blue Economy Vision
BSRB’s role extends beyond regulating yards — it is integral to the nation’s Blue Economy strategy. Ship recycling contributes to the circular economy by reclaiming valuable steel and materials that support the country’s construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
By enforcing environmentally sound recycling, BSRB ensures that the maritime sector contributes to sustainable coastal development, employment generation, and industrial self-sufficiency.
Aligned with the Bangladesh National Industrial Policy 2022 and Perspective Plan 2041, BSRB champions resource recovery, green infrastructure, and worker welfare as part of a unified national growth vision.
- Achievements and Milestones
Over the years, BSRB has achieved several critical milestones:
• Licensing and registration of HKC-compliant yards in Chattogram.
• Development of inspection and digital monitoring systems for operational transparency.
• Establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee to guide regulatory reforms.
• Drafting of national guidelines for hazardous waste segregation and disposal.
• Training programs for inspectors, engineers, and workers under international partnerships.
These efforts have elevated Bangladesh’s reputation in the global maritime recycling community, transforming its ship recycling sector from informal to increasingly formalized and compliant.
- Challenges and Future Roadmap
While progress is undeniable, challenges persist. The industry faces obstacles such as:
• Insufficient waste treatment infrastructure.
• Global steel market volatility affecting economic sustainability.
• Need for advanced technical training and local expertise.
• Coordination gaps among regulatory and enforcement agencies.
To overcome these, BSRB has charted an ambitious roadmap:
• Establishment of a National Ship Recycling Training Institute.
• Development of an Integrated Waste Treatment and TSDF Facility.
• Introduction of a Smart Yard Monitoring System for real-time inspection.
• Expansion of research and data-driven policymaking to strengthen the regulatory ecosystem.
- Conclusion: A Nation Anchored in Responsibility
The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board embodies the country’s commitment to a cleaner, safer, and globally respected maritime future. As steel meets the sea, and ships find new life through recycling, BSRB ensures that every act of dismantling is also an act of preservation — of environment, of economy, and of human dignity.
Bangladesh, through the leadership of BSRB, is not merely recycling ships; it is recycling the future — anchoring change, one vessel at a time.
