85% Of Global Ship Tonnage Scrapped On Just 3 South Asian Beaches
A recent report by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform reveals that a staggering 85% of global ship tonnage was dismantled on beaches in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in 2025, raising serious concerns about worker safety and environmental impact. This concentration of shipbreaking activity in South Asia, despite documented risks and the existence of the Hong Kong Convention, highlights the urgent need for stricter international regulations and enforcement. For Cyprus, a prominent shipping hub, these findings underscore the importance of responsible ship recycling practices and the potential reputational risks associated with unsustainable ship disposal methods.
Key Facts
- 185% of global ship tonnage was scrapped on beaches in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in 2025.
- 2214 out of 321 vessels dismantled globally ended up in South Asia.
- 3Eleven workers lost their lives in South Asia during shipbreaking activities in 2025, with at least 62 injured.
- 4An oil tank explosion at Ziri Subedar yard in Bangladesh injured eight workers.
- 5The Hong Kong Convention is under review at the IMO, with calls for stronger requirements and a phase-out of beaching methods.
Impact Analysis
For Cyprus, this news highlights the need for Cypriot-flagged vessels and shipping companies operating within Cyprus to adhere to the highest standards of ship recycling. The potential for reputational damage associated with using shipbreaking yards with poor safety and environmental records is significant. Furthermore, stricter enforcement of international regulations could impact the operational costs of Cypriot shipping companies, requiring them to invest in more sustainable and responsible ship recycling options. Cyprus, as an EU member, is subject to the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, which favors cleaner and safer ship recycling facilities.
Why It Matters
Cyprus maritime professionals should be concerned about these findings because they reflect on the overall sustainability and ethical practices within the global shipping industry. As a leading maritime center, Cyprus has a responsibility to promote responsible ship recycling and ensure that Cypriot-flagged vessels are disposed of in an environmentally sound and safe manner. Ignoring these issues could damage Cyprus's reputation as a responsible maritime nation and potentially lead to increased scrutiny from international regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
Original Excerpt
China tops the 2025 Dumpers List, with 21 Chinese-owned vessels sold to South Asian shipbreakers, mainly in Bangladesh.