Pakistan has taken an important step toward making its shipbreaking industry safer and more environmentally friendly.
The Prime Green Recycling Yard at Gadani has become the country’s first ship recycling facility to receive certification under the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC). This achievement marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s maritime and recycling sectors.
The HKC certification brings Pakistan’s shipbreaking operations closer to international safety and environmental standards.
It focuses on better protection for workers, safer handling of hazardous materials, and improved waste management practices. Industry observers say this development helps address long-standing concerns related to worker safety, pollution, and weak regulation at shipbreaking yards.
Shipbreaking plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy. The industry supplies up to 20 percent of the country’s domestic metal needs and provides employment to thousands of workers, especially in coastal areas. Despite its importance, the sector has faced criticism for unsafe working conditions, environmental damage, and outdated infrastructure over the years.
The certification of Prime Green Recycling Yard is seen as a positive signal for modernization and global competitiveness.
It shows that Pakistan can meet international requirements and attract more business from ship owners who prefer environmentally responsible recycling facilities.
However, experts caution that one certified yard is not enough to fully transform the industry. They emphasize the need for wider reforms, including upgrading infrastructure, enforcing regulations, training workers, and ensuring consistent government oversight. Without these steps, progress may remain limited.
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