The recent reclassification of shipbreaking business from ‘orange-b’ to ‘red’ in the Environment Protection Rules-2023 has faced backlash from the Association of Shipbreakers.

According to the revised legislation unveiled by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, each ship now requires a second round of approval by the Director General of the Department of Environment.

The Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) highlighted that obtaining shipbreaking permission already takes 1.5 to 2 months. In a statement released on May 13, the group expressed concerns about potential financial losses if ships fail to be dismantled within the stipulated timeframe due to unforeseen difficulties.

Originally, the ship-breaking industry was classified as ‘orange-b’ under the Environment Protection Rules-1997, aimed at mitigating environmental pollution caused by this sector.

However, on November 19, 2021, the environment ministry controversially reclassified the industry to the ‘orange-b’ category, disregarding the opposition from industrial owners and the recommendations of the Ship Recycling Board of the Ministry of Industry.

The move to upgrade shipbreaking to the ‘red’ category in the new regulations signifies increased scrutiny and stricter regulations for the industry. Critics argue that the reclassification undermines the efforts to curtail environmental damage caused by ship dismantling activities.

The Association of Shipbreakers urges the authorities to reconsider the reclassification and engage in meaningful dialogue with industry stakeholders to address concerns while ensuring the protection of the environment.

The controversy surrounding the reclassification decision will spark further discussions and potential revisions to the Environment Protection Rules-2023.