Govt Advances Hong Kong Convention Implementation through Maritime Legislation to Improve Ship Recycling Safety and Sustainability
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that new legislation has been approved to regulate hazardous materials in the ship recycling sector, promote environmentally sustainable ship breaking practices, and advance the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention.
In a statement after the Senate passed the Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Material on Ships Bill, 2026, the minister said the legislation would facilitate the implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, by addressing environmental, occupational health and safety risks associated with ship recycling.
He said the bill, moved by himself, had already been approved by the National Assembly and was passed by the Senate on Thursday, paving the way for its enforcement across the country.
Junaid Chaudhry said the legislation aimed to ensure that hazardous waste generated through ship recycling was managed in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.
He added that the law would prohibit hazardous materials identified under the convention, mandate inspection and certification of ships, and impose strict penalties for violations.
Every ship arriving in Pakistani waters for recycling would be subject to mandatory surveys, inspections and certification of its Inventory of Hazardous Materials, he said noting “ships found violating the law could face seizure, detention, removal from Pakistani waters and other prescribed penalties.”
He said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs would serve as the national focal point for coordination, implementation and reporting to the International Maritime Organization to ensure compliance with the convention.
The Minister noted that Pakistan ranked among the world’s top three ship recycling nations and handled nearly one-third of global ship recycling activity, giving the country a significant responsibility in ensuring safe, transparent and environmentally sound recycling practices.
He said the ship recycling industry, established in Gadani in the 1980s, remained an important sector for the national economy and employment, making it necessary to align local practices with international environmental, labour and safety standards.
Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan had become the 23rd country to accede to the Hong Kong Convention, reaffirming its commitment to green and safe ship recycling while enhancing Gadani’s standing in the global ship recycling industry.
He further stated that two complementary legal frameworks had been developed to implement the convention at both provincial and federal levels. He noted that the Balochistan Assembly had enacted the Balochistan Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships Act, 2025 in November last year.
The Minister said the new legislation reflected Pakistan’s broader commitment to climate action, hazardous waste control and sustainable industrial development. He added that the law would also support Pakistan’s transition towards a circular economy and contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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He maintained that the legislation would enhance Pakistan’s international credibility, protect livelihoods linked to the ship recycling sector, improve competitiveness and ensure fair and predictable enforcement of environmental and safety standards.
