Sustainable design approach for Bangladesh ship breaking industry

Ship breaking is an important industry as it provides a lion's share of raw materials for major steel re-rolling industries in Bangladesh. However, due to unplanned development, poor occupational health and safety practices and awareness, the ship breaking yards create substantial environmental and occupational health and safety hazards. The ship breaking industry is a dilemma for Bangladesh as without it country's economic development will significantly suffer and on the other hand, continuation of current unhealthy practice will affect human life and environment. In this paper, we have reviewed current ship breaking practices and identified potential solutions for sustainable development of ship breaking industry in Bangladesh. We have also identified the key infrastructural elements which can be incorporated in ship breaking yard zones. The proposed sustainable design will ensure not only an enviornment friendly operation but it will also achieve enhanced productivity, safe work environments, and high profit margins for this vital industrial sector.