workers at the ship recycling yard in gadani, balochistan.

SENSREC-DW

Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling and Decent Work in Pakistan

The project jointly implemented by the ILO and IMO aims to strengthen national capacities for safe, rights-based, and environmentally responsible ship recycling.

© ILO
Project details

4 November 2024 - 31 December 2026

International Maritime Organization through the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PAK/24/04/IMO

Naeem Khalid, [email protected]

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The issue

The ship recycling industry in Pakistan, primarily concentrated at the Gadani shipbreaking yard in Balochistan, has long played a prominent role in the global market. Accounting for 16.6% of global ship recycling in 2022, the sector faces critical challenges, such as outdated infrastructure, inadequate regulatory enforcement, unsafe working conditions, and environmental hazards. Despite these challenges, the industry remains economically significant, generating around PKR 12 billion annually and providing employment to thousands of workers. 

Ship recycling is guided by several international frameworks. The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates safe and environmentally sound recycling practices and requires ships to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials, while the Basel Convention governs the movement of hazardous waste. 

In December 2023, Pakistan ratified the HKC, which entered into force in June 2025. This ratification requires urgent national reforms to align local practices with international frameworks. Compliance will demand significant upgrades in Pakistan’s yards, including facility authorizations and improved worker training.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) Fundamental Conventions on safety and health at work (C.155 & C187), and sector specific guidelines, can help strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) and protect workers’ rights in the shipbreaking industry.

Objective

The overall objective of the project is to establish sound and effective measures to improve health, safety, and environmental compliance at ship recycling yards, in line with the requirements of the Hong Kong Convention and in support of Pakistan’s effort towards the ratification of ILO Fundamental OSH conventions. The project also aims to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity for the environmentally sound management of hazardous and other materials generated through shipbreaking. From a labour perspective, the project promotes decent working conditions, including improved occupational safety and health and access to social protection for shipbreaking workers, thus contributing to the ILO “Safety+Health for All” Flagship Programme.

Project Outcomes

The project seeks to deliver the following outcomes: 

  • Improved understanding of specific economic and environmental impacts of the ship recycling industry in Pakistan, and an evaluation of the steps required to implement the HKC.
  • Training programmes and materials on occupational safety and health ready for deployment across the ship recycling workforce. 
  • An Overseas Development Assistance project proposal developed to help mobilize financial resources for the TSDF. 
  • Investment options identified to support the upgrade of ship recycling yards.
  • Funding sources identified to ensure sustainability of the project and support completion of the national action plan for HKC implementation.

Partners

International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MoPHRD), Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) and Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), Balochistan Development Authority (BDA), Department of Labour and Human Resources Balochistan, Pakistan Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (PSBA), Employers and Workers Organisations.

Target Beneficiaries

Workers and employers of shipbreaking yards.

Geographical Focus

Gadani shipyard (Balochistan).

Highlights

Pakistan moves to strengthen hazardous waste management in ship recycling sector
Pakistan ship recycling sector

Press release

Pakistan moves to strengthen hazardous waste management in ship recycling sector

Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling and Decent Work in Pakistan
workers at the ship recycling yard in Balochistan

Factsheet

Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling and Decent Work in Pakistan