Gadani to Launch 31 Green Shipbreaking Plots by 2026
Pakistan will make 31 shipbreaking plots operational at Gadani by June 2026 under the Hong Kong Convention, paving the way for eco-friendly recycling and global compliance.
Pakistan is preparing its shipbreaking industry for a major transformation as 31 plots at Gadani are set to begin green recycling by June 2026 in compliance with the Hong Kong Convention on safe ship recycling. The initiative is aimed at positioning Gadani, one of the world’s largest dismantling hubs, as a global destination for environmentally responsible shipbreaking.Govt Approves Rs 12B for Gadani Ship Yard
Spanning nearly 10 kilometers of Balochistan’s coastline, Gadani has around 135 designated plots. Currently, 11 yards are nearing completion for eco-friendly operations, with another 20 in development for green recycling. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has directed authorities to issue the country’s first Hong Kong Convention–compliant green yard certificate within a week.
The Hong Kong Convention, which will become legally binding from June 26, 2025, requires nations to adopt safe ship recycling methods that reduce hazardous waste and environmental damage. Under the convention, all ships above 500 gross tonnage must carry an International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials before recycling, ensuring proper handling of toxic substances. By 2030, the mandate will be enforced worldwide, significantly reducing the environmental risks associated with traditional shipbreaking.
Minister Chaudhry emphasized the need for Pakistan’s compliance not only as a legal requirement but also as part of the country’s responsibility in tackling climate change. “Green ship recycling is central to both environmental protection and sustainable economic growth,” he said, urging close collaboration with the Balochistan government to make Gadani a model for climate-conscious dismantling.
During a high-level review meeting, the minister stressed that Gadani, ranked as the world’s third-largest shipbreaking yard, must undergo a full transition to sustainable practices. To accelerate the shift, a multi-stakeholder committee led by Maritime Ministry Technical Advisor Jawad Akhtar has been formed to assess infrastructure gaps and prioritize eco-friendly developments.
The federal government has already approved a Rs 12 billion project to equip Gadani with modern facilities, including a hazardous waste treatment plant, a one-window facilitation center, fire and rescue services, a hospital, clean water supply, and improved access roads. These facilities are designed to support safe dismantling operations and reduce risks to both the environment and workers.
In addition, a National Center of Excellence for Green Ports, Shipping, and Integrated Maritime Industries will be established in Karachi. The center will focus on research, training, and innovation in sustainable maritime practices, while also helping streamline ease of doing business in the sector.
Industry analysts note that compliance with the Hong Kong Convention could revive Gadani’s competitiveness against shipbreaking hubs in India, Bangladesh, and Turkey, which have already moved toward greener standards. Pakistan’s adherence to the convention is expected to attract international business, as shipowners prefer recycling yards that meet global environmental and labor safety benchmarks.
Historically, Gadani has been criticized for unsafe working conditions and environmental degradation, with major accidents in the past raising concerns over labor rights and hazardous waste management. Transitioning to HKC-compliant practices, experts argue, is vital not only for improving Pakistan’s global standing but also for safeguarding thousands of workers who depend on the industry.
Minister Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to responsible recycling as part of global decarbonization efforts. “Pakistan is committed to protecting both its environment and its workers,” he said. “Through responsible recycling, Gadani can emerge as a leader in climate-friendly practices, contributing to global decarbonization goals while creating sustainable livelihoods.”
As the deadline for international compliance approaches, Pakistan’s shipbreaking industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Meeting Hong Kong Convention standards will require significant investment and enforcement, but it also promises to reshape Gadani into a hub for sustainable recycling that aligns with global climate goals.
With 31 green yards planned by 2026 and broader infrastructure upgrades underway, Pakistan is positioning Gadani to reclaim its place on the world shipbreaking map—not as a polluting yard of the past, but as a model for green maritime recycling in the future.
