Ship recycling process in Bangladesh and a survey-based risk assessment with mitigation proposal

Abstract

Ship recycling industries play a significant role in the economic development of South Asian countries, including Bangladesh. In the wake of entering the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) in June 2025, the industry aims to improve its overall safety standards cost-effectively. However, due to the restrictive nature of the industry, solutions based on field surveys are limited. This study successfully articulates the indigenous industry knowledge of the recycling process in Bangladesh after carefully studying the practices followed by the existing ship recycling yards in the country. Based on field surveys conducted across 18 ship recycling yards in Bangladesh, the risk patterns inherent in the ship recycling industry are studied; for example, highly hazardous tasks in the ship recycling process are found to be (i) explosion hazards during primary cutting operations at the intertidal zone, (ii) falling hazards during inspections at the outer anchorage, (iii) falling and crushing hazards during block cutting and handling heavy objects. Industry experts and scholars consider the perception of the risk pattern regarding the current practices of ship recycling activities to cover a broader perspective of this issue. The correlation of survey outcomes with actual accident cases is comparable. Finally, practical recommendations for minimising risks have been recommended, especially in high-risk workplace areas. The study adds knowledge to the existing literature by giving a clear picture of evidence-based findings for this sector and helps improve the industry's overall safety standard.

Keywords: Field surveys; High-risk workplace; Risk patterns; Ship recycling.

Fig. 1

Workflow diagram.

Fig. 2

Percentage of workers engaged in each category of work.

Fig. 3

Survey participant's details: (a) Education level, (b) Age distribution, (c) Affiliation, and (d) Sector of specialisation.

Fig. 4

Categorisation of hazards.

Fig. 5

Risk matrix format.

Fig. 6

Risk scale definition.

Fig. 7

Ship recycling process flowchart.

Fig. 8

(a): Risk value (A) Fig. 8(b): Risk matrix (A).

Fig. 9

(a): Risk value (B) Fig. 9(b): Risk matrix(B).

Fig. 10

(a): Risk value (C) Fig. 10(b): Risk matrix (C).

Fig. 11

(a): Risk value (D) Fig. 11(b): Risk matrix (D).

Fig. 12

(a)Risk value (E). (b)Risk matrix (E).

Fig. 12

(a)Risk value (E). (b)Risk matrix (E).

Fig. 13

Comparative analysis of solutions to avoid scenarios E10 and E13.

Fig. 14

Comparative analysis of features affecting cutting plan.

Fig. 15

Comparative analysis of the necessary drawing and documents.

Fig. 16

Comparative analysis of features affecting scenario E19.

Fig. 17

Comparative analysis of factors currently affect block size cutting.

Fig. 18

Comparative analysis of factors affecting safety of the inspection at outer anchorage.

Fig. 19

Comparative analysis of conventional methods of gas detection.

Fig. 20

Comparative analysis of issues needed to be considered while gas detection.