Shipbreaking and Asbestos

Shipbreaking is a term that refers to the demolition and disposal of a vessel that has reached the end of its life. Shipbreaking allows the materials from which the ship is made, especially steel, to be used for other purposes. In addition, onboard equipment is often removed and reused as well.

Shipbreaking was once a viable industry in the United States. Port cities were full of shipbreaking facilities, especially in the 1960s and 1970s when many World War II ships were reaching the end of their usefulness. However, in the last few decades, the process of shipbreaking or ship demolition has moved to countries where labor can be found for a lower cost and environmental rules and guidelines aren’t as stringent as they are in the United States. The countries that now have the largest shipbreaking operations include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and China.

Shipbreaking is dangerous for a number of reasons. First of all, hundreds of accidents involving bodily injuries have occurred throughout the years, making this industry one of the most dangerous in the world. Secondly, the toxins released during demolition – including asbestos and PCBs – cause considerable health concerns for laborers who work in the industry.

Asbestos enjoyed widespread use in the shipbuilding industry, especially prior to and during World War II. If these ships were being dismantled in the U.S., laws would govern the safe removal of the material. In the developing countries where shipbreaking remains popular, this is not the case. Few health and safety laws are in place and workers generally wear no protective gear on the job, leaving them susceptible to the inhalation of a variety of hazardous materials and the development of diseases such as mesothelioma.

While India has taken a stand and requested that ship owners take responsibility for removing hazardous materials before they arrive in one of the country’s shipbreaking yards, the other countries involved in the industry have not really addressed health-related situations, despite appeals by environmental organizations like Greenpeace. In addition, Greenpeace is pressuring the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to pass mandatory international laws governing the specifics of shipbreaking. Currently, the IMO only offers voluntary guidelines.

Last modified: December 09 2009.