The World’s Largest Maritime Graveyard

Bane of Bangladeshi Coastal Life

A drone shot of two ships in different stages of deconstruction, highlighting the intricate dance between progress and the poignant farewell to these maritime giants.
A drone shot of two ships in different stages of deconstruction, highlighting the intricate dance between progress and the poignant farewell to these maritime giants.

In the maritime heart of South Asia, Bangladesh grapples with the profound implications of the ship-breaking industry on its coastal landscape and the ever-looming presence of climate change.

Nestled along the shores of the Bay of Bengal, South Asia has earned the distinction of being the largest home for ship-breaking activities globally. This region, comprising predominantly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, shoulders the responsibility of dismantling an overwhelming 80% of the world’s retired ships. Among these nations, Bangladesh stands out, with the largest ship-breaking yard in the world. The shipbreaking industry, vital for these national economies, reflects a complex interplay of economic necessity, environmental challenges, and the human cost associated with this formidable yet controversial sector.

In the coastal town of Chittagong, Bangladesh, the ship-breaking yards stretch along the Bay of Bengal like a graveyard of maritime giants. The air buzzes with the symphony of clinking metal and the distant roar of the waves, as workers in ragged attire navigate the colossal remnants of once-majestic vessels. Amid the relentless hustle, the shadow of safety concerns looms large.

The ship-breaking industry employs thousands of individuals who brave the dangers of dismantling massive ships on a daily basis. The lack of proper safety equipment and training is a glaring issue, with workers facing hazardous conditions. Rusty metal sheets hang precariously overhead, and the deafening noise of cutting torches echoes through the yards. Accidents are not uncommon, and the workers, faces smeared with grime, are at constant risk of injury. Safety regulations, when present, often take a backseat to the speedy dismantling of these ocean giants.


The future of the ship-breaking industry in Bangladesh hangs in the balance—a balance that can only be achieved by acknowledging the interconnectedness of worker safety, environmental preservation, and the well- being of coastal life.

An aerial view of the vast expanse of broken ships in the world’s largest ship-breaking yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram District, Bangladesh.

A blight on the environment

As these colossal ships meet their demise, a silent war wages on the environment. The ship-breaking yards of Bangladesh, the place where vessels come to die, has birthed a multitude of environmental concerns. Harmful substances like asbestos, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls seep into the soil and water, leaving a toxic trail in their wake. The once-pristine coastline now bears the scars of this industrial juggernaut.

The ship-breaking process itself, characterised by flame cutting and indiscriminate disposal, releases harmful pollutants into the air, adding another layer to the environmental catastrophe. The birds that once gracefully glided above the waves now circle in confusion, their habitats disrupted. Environmental activists rally against the disregard for ecosystems, advocating for sustainable practices that will mitigate the damage wrought by this coastal industry.

Coastal life hazard

As the ships meet their fate, a sinister threat extends beyond the ship-breaking yards, reaching into the heart of coastal life in Bangladesh. The discarded debris, a mix of steel, chemicals, and remnants of vessels, float along the Bay of Bengal. The once-thriving fishing communities now find their livelihoods ensnared in the wreckage. The vibrant marine life that once flourished in the bay is now facing a perilous decline, the delicate balance disrupted by the indiscriminate practices of the ship-breaking industry. The coastal communities, dependent on the bounty of the sea, find themselves entangled in the hazards left in the wake of industrial progress.

In this delicate dance between progress and responsibility, the ship-breaking yards of Bangladesh became a focal point for change. The call for stringent regulations, sustainable practices, and heightened awareness echoes across the coastal landscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows over the skeletal remains of ships, the future of the ship-breaking industry in Bangladesh hangs in the balance—a balance that can only be achieved by acknowledging the interconnectedness of worker safety, environmental preservation, and the well-being of coastal life.

Find this story and more in

ARTIQULATE #04

ArtIQulate is a publication associated with the Adenauer Fellowship, a scholarship programme by the Media Programme Asia, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Ltd.
About the author

Naimur Rahman

Naimur Rahman is an experienced digital creator with a demonstrated history of working in multimedia including journalism, photography, reporting, and video production.

Connect with Naimur Rahman

More articles by Naimur Rahman

feat_img_fallback

In the intersection of environmental degradation and gender inequality, climate change, women’s health conditions, and the daily struggle for water plague millions of women and girls in coastal Bangladesh.

by Naimur Rahman, Rafia Tamanna
ARTIQULATE #04