The act of dismantling a ship in such a manner so that its scrap materials can be recycled and used is called ship-breaking. The ship-breaking activity is normally done in dry docks, dismantling slips or piers. Ship breaking is a complex activity that involves a range of accomplishments like removing equipments and gears and then recycling the complete infrastructure of the ship. Being a complex and challenging process owning to its structural complexity, ship-breaking involves many environmental, health and safety issues. Ship-breaking activities have been regulated in dry docks; however, ship-breaking along the beaches have not be subjected to adequate control.
Breaking redundant old ships enables the scrap material like steel used in the ship to be recycled andreused. Through this method not only the waste material is used but also offers lower expenditure in comparison to the money that might be spent in importation or processing of iron ores.
Although ship–breaking as an activity offers several advantages, it is also considered as one of the most hazardous occupations. This is because ship-breaking involves dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, toxic paints and polychlorinated biphenyls that were initially used in the construction of ships. These materials are harmful for the environment as well as the human body, particularly of those workers who work in close contact with these hazardous products of ship manufacturing materials.
Ship breaking, as an activity, has become highly concentrated in various Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The primary reason for this is the cheap availability of labor in these regions. In addition to that, the necessary health requirements and issues are also overlooked in these parts of the world. However this fact has been given due attention and the International Labor Organization (ILO) is looking into the matter to improve the worsening condition of worker exploitation in these industries.
The scrapped material from ship-breaking can be used for various purposes which includes using the renewed ferrous scrap for the manufacture of simple steel products. Several mechanical spare parts and electrical components also find proper usage in other functions.
Therefore this recycling of products through ship-breaking plays a positive role in reuse of scrap material. This serves a beneficial purpose; however, social welfare, worker safety and environmental managements are few aspects that should be taken care off properly. Environmentally hazardous materials should not be reused along with other reusable commodities.
Trip's date: April 1, (2010)
Submitted date: February 19, (2010)
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