Organization: 214 Ships Scrapped at Asian Beaches - Deadly shipbreaking accidents persist in South Asia despite global safety rules

Shipbreaking accidents in South Asia have continued despite global safety rules. In 2025, at least eleven workers died and 62 were injured in yards across the region. The Hong Kong Convention, designed to improve conditions, has failed to stop fatal incidents in certified facilities.

Last year, 214 vessels were dismantled on Asian beaches. Bangladesh handled 172 ships, while India scrapped 42. None were recycled in Europe, where high costs and strict regulations have halted commercial shipbreaking entirely.

The Shipbreaking Platform warns of a growing backlog of vessels awaiting demolition. Hundreds of tankers, many from shadow fleets, are expected to be scrapped in the coming years. Yet even certified yards under the Hong Kong Convention have seen repeated accidents.

The industry still relies heavily on South Asian beaches for shipbreaking. With no European yards operating and safety risks persisting, workers face ongoing dangers. The expected surge in scrapping could worsen conditions without stricter enforcement.