Shipyard banned from buying scrapped vessels

The Ministry of Industries has slapped a three-month ban on Khaja Ship Breaking Yard at Sitakunda upazila from buying scrapped vessels or securing any locally, after an investigation revealed poor workplace safety at the yard -- a violation of Ship Breaking and Recycling Rules-2011.

A ministry team came up with the findings while investigating an accident that took place at the yard in July, where a worker named Shahidul Islam Mandal, 40, died after falling from a ship while working.

The ban has been enforced from August this year, said ministry officials. In April, oil tanker Vera (former name Ever) beached on Sitakunda shore, and was bought by the shipbreaking yard.

The suspension order, signed by the deputy secretary (ship recycling), states that the ban has been imposed as the accident took place due to poor workplace safety and unawareness.

AKM Shamsul Arefin, additional secretary (ship recycling) to the ministry, told The Daily Star yesterday that the accident took place and the worker eventually lost his life as there was no adequate safety measures at the yard.

The team, led by a joint secretary, found the yard authorities’ negligence in maintaining safety as stipulated by rules.

Arefin said they have asked the authorities to ensure workers’ safety, including constructing a wide passage for movement, providing them with adequate training and ensuring availability of safety equipment.

The additional secretary said when workers dismantle “sensitive parts” of the ship such as the engine room and oil tanks, they must do it in front of government-sanctioned safety agencies. “If the [shipyard] authorities violate the conditions, we will shut it down for good,” he warned.

At least four workers had died in the yard since last year, according to media reports.

Despite repeated attempts, this correspondent could not get in touch with the shipyard authorities for comments.