Pakistan Inaugurates First HKC-Certified Ship Recycling Facility -

PAKISTAN – ship recycling facility

Pakistan’s maritime sector has achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of the country’s first ship recycling facility certified under the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC), marking a significant step toward safer, greener, and internationally compliant ship recycling practices.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry inaugurated the facility at the Prime Green Recycling Yard, describing the certification as a historic achievement for a sector long associated with safety and environmental concerns. Addressing the ceremony, he said the milestone reflected Pakistan’s growing alignment with global maritime and environmental standards.

“This is a historic achievement for Pakistan’s maritime sector,” the minister said. “The success of the Prime Green Recycling Yard is a matter of national pride and a clear indication that Pakistan is now meeting international benchmarks for environmentally responsible ship recycling.”

The Hong Kong International Convention, adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), establishes strict standards for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, covering hazardous materials management, worker safety, and waste disposal. The certification signifies that Pakistan’s ship recycling practices now comply with these global requirements.

Junaid Chaudhry noted that reforms initiated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs were translating into tangible results, adding that Pakistan was steadily emerging as a responsible player in the global ship recycling industry. He termed the certification “a golden chapter” in the country’s maritime history.

Ship recycling remains a key industry in Pakistan, particularly in Gadani, Balochistan, which was once among the world’s largest ship recycling hubs. The minister said the government was actively working to modernise the Gadani Ship Recycling Zone through infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and stronger oversight mechanisms.

Emphasising worker welfare, he said ensuring the safety and health of ship recycling workers would remain a top priority as the industry transitions toward cleaner and safer operational standards. Enhanced safety protocols, he added, would be enforced across the sector.

The minister also acknowledged the role of the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association in organising and formalising the industry, stressing that close collaboration between the public and private sectors was essential for sustainable growth.

Highlighting the economic potential of the sector, Junaid Chaudhry said a modern and responsible ship recycling industry could generate thousands of jobs, conserve valuable foreign exchange, and support domestic industries by supplying locally sourced steel and materials.

“With a sustainable and responsible approach, ship recycling can become a major contributor to Pakistan’s economic growth,” he said. “It will reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the country’s industrial base.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maritime development, the minister said continued policy support and investment would help position Pakistan as a regional leader in safe and sustainable maritime activities. He added that the HKC certification marked the beginning of a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring confidence in Pakistan’s maritime sector and enhancing its global standing. – ER News Desk

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