Karachi: Pakistan is making significant strides towards sustainable ship recycling with the launch of a new project aimed at improving working conditions and environmental compliance in the industry. The initiative, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), and funded by the Government of Norway, seeks to align Pakistan’s ship recycling practices with international standards, enhancing the sector’s contribution to the country’s sustainable development goals.
According to International Labour Organization, the project, titled “SENSREC-DW,” was officially launched in Karachi, with representatives from the government, employer and worker organizations, academia, member states, and United Nations agencies in attendance. The initiative focuses on compliance with international labor, safety, and environmental standards, aiming to transform the ship recycling sector into a greener, safer, and more sustainable industry.
The ship recycling industry is crucial for global sustainability, providing a responsible way to dispose of decommissioned ships. Despite its significance, the sector faces numerous challenges, particularly in occupational safety and health (OSH). Workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and unsafe working conditions. The ILO’s initiative in Pakistan is set to elevate the country’s shipbreaking industry to meet international standards, prioritizing the safety, dignity, and well-being of its workers.
The new project will complement the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to implement the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) for safe ship recycling, which Pakistan ratified in December 2023. It will also support the ratification of two updated ILO Conventions on Occupational Safety and Health in 2025, with a central focus on workers’ safety and well-being.
Geir Tonstol, the ILO Country Director for Pakistan, emphasized the importance of social dialogue in the project: “Through social dialogue, the IMO-ILO SENSREC DW project will foster cooperation and strengthen our ability to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. This project is designed to enhance policy responses and institutional capacities, both at the sectoral and yard levels, to address challenges and opportunities in the shipbreaking sector. Achieving compliance with international standards will require a collective, coordinated approach.”
Anja Benedicte Myrtveit, representing the Embassy of Norway in Pakistan, highlighted Norway’s commitment: “Norway is committed to supporting Pakistan’s effort towards compliance with the Hong Kong Convention, and with the SENSREC-DW project, Norway is committing 18 million NOK over the next two and half years, to ensure safe and sound recycling of ships in Pakistan.”
The broad participation in the launch event, including numerous government departments, academia, NGOs, workers, and the private sector, was praised by John Alonso, Project Coordinator IMO, who noted, “This level of commitment of stakeholders showcases a strong support to this initiative and for the future of a sustainable ship recycling industry in Pakistan.”
Alia Shahid, Director General Ports and Shipping, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, described the launch as a defining moment: “Today is a defining moment for all the stakeholders of the ship recycling sector. Our efforts have culminated in a structured programme with technical support of IMO and ILO.”
The ILO-IMO project SENSREC-DW represents a significant advancement in improving compliance with the Hong Kong Convention and ILO conventions ratified by Pakistan, as well as enhancing Occupational Safety and Health compliance through training at yard level and promoting social dialogue.