Pakistan has set ambitious plans to expand its ship recycling industry into a $2 billion market over the next ten years. Central to this vision is the modernization of the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard, one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind, combined with adherence to international standards such as the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) and ILO recommendations.
The government’s strategy focuses on both economic growth and social responsibility. Infrastructure upgrades are planned across the Gaddani area, including hospitals, schools, and roads, alongside the development of eco-friendly recycling yards. These measures aim to enhance worker welfare, improve safety standards, and ensure environmental compliance, making the industry sustainable in the long term.
Globally, more than 15,000 vessels are expected to retire over the next decade, presenting Pakistan with an opportunity to strengthen its position as the third-largest ship-recycling hub. By implementing modern practices and green technologies, the country seeks to attract significant foreign investment, boosting exports and generating employment for thousands of workers.
The initiative also emphasizes circular economy principles, turning retired vessels into reusable steel and raw materials while minimizing environmental impact. Gadani is envisioned not just as a national asset, but as a regional model for sustainable maritime and industrial practices.
Experts believe that Pakistan’s proactive approach, combining modernization, international compliance, and social development, could transform the ship recycling sector into a major revenue source. By 2035, the country aims to emerge as a global leader in eco-conscious ship recycling, demonstrating how industrial growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.
