Ship breaking is a crucial industry that disposes the unused or old ships that are no longer viable to be refurbished or maintained or operated. The ships are purchased by ship breakers & torn down so that the metal as well as the other parts can be recycled. Previously, many ship breakers were operating at almost all major ports in the world.
However, these days, most of the ship breakers operate in developing countries such China, India, Bangladesh & Pakistan due to lower cost of operations. But recently, the industry has been tainted lately with various disheartening issues pertaining to the manner the ship breakers functions. One of it is that, the ship breakers in these countries violates the human rights code as they engage child labour to carry out the task. Besides that, their employees life are at stake as the necessary personal protective equipments (PPE) are not provided by the employers. Above all the unacceptable working conditions, the workers are paid USD 1.00 to work 12 hours daily, 7 days a week.
However, these days, most of the ship breakers operate in developing countries such China, India, Bangladesh & Pakistan due to lower cost of operations. But recently, the industry has been tainted lately with various disheartening issues pertaining to the manner the ship breakers functions. One of it is that, the ship breakers in these countries violates the human rights code as they engage child labour to carry out the task. Besides that, their employees life are at stake as the necessary personal protective equipments (PPE) are not provided by the employers. Above all the unacceptable working conditions, the workers are paid USD 1.00 to work 12 hours daily, 7 days a week.
It would be really nice if the ship owners who intends to scrap their old ship, performs a procedural tender & invite ship breakers with good work policies or practices to participate in bidding. Do not just award the ship breaking contracts to the highest bidder but award to those organization that are worth to be known as partners. Ensure that the ship breakers are financially fit, are not involved in terrorism or in support of piracy, has ethical or legal workforce and prioritize the safety, health & environment factors at all times. We are sure that none of us would want to be associated or be a part of an industry that is 'contaminated' with such upsetting concerns.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Mahinder Singh Malhi
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