‘It is not yet a done deal’

Wilma Roos, Policy Official for South Asia with Mondiaal FNV

‘A lot of things have changed in the run-up to the convention: namely, many Indian shipyards already look far better organised. Waste is stored separately, and work operations take place in a much safer manner.

First impressions

People walked barefoot through piles of asbestos and in oil puddles

‘On behalf of Mondiaal FNV, I have been involved in shipbreaking for about twenty years. The first time I visited a shipbreaking yard was in Chittagong in Bangladesh - one of the largest in the world. People walked barefoot through piles of asbestos and in oil puddles. They barely had the tools needed to dismantle the giant ships on the beach. There was a stark contrast between the large ships and the slightly built people working on them.

Biggest obstacle

The costs involved in turning shipbreaking yards green

‘A great deal of investment is needed to turn shipbreaking yards green, such as crane trucks and heavy machinery. The shipyard owners need to recognise the use of these items, and you need to demonstrate that green recycling is possible. Some environmental NGOs feel that shipbreaking operations should not take place on the beach in any case. However, a transition period is needed, given the huge number of ships that are demolished. Therefore, you need to ensure that shipbreaking on the beach is done in an environmentally friendly manner, like in India. The costs involved are a major obstacle. Therefore, some of the European guidelines are somewhat unrealistic, like having a hospital nearby. This is not easily arranged by a shipyard owner.’

Breakthrough moment

Important contribution by shipbuilders

‘At a given moment, we wanted to involve FNV active trade unionists and trade union officials from the Dutch shipbuilding industry. At first, I was sceptical, wondering what use shipbuilders would have for shipbreakers. During my first trip to India, however, I saw how important their contribution was. Most shipbreakers are migrants and seasonal workers who work mostly on the land. They are used to looking at the ground. One of the active trade unionists said that in a shipyard you actually need to look up, because all kinds of heavy materials are moved through the air and may end up falling from the ship and onto your head. How a simple thing like that can make such a difference.

From that moment, FNV active trade unionists have been directly involved in supporting trade unions in the South-Asian shipbreaking industry.’

Personal contribution

Lobbying operations in several countries and at different levels

‘The Hong Kong Convention needed to be ratified by seafaring as well as shipbreaking countries, which turned out to be a laborious process. It was a race against the clock, because the negotiated requirements expired at the end of 2023, after which we would need to start all over again. In cooperation with the international trade union federation IndustriALL and other countries involved, we engaged in lobbying operations - in several countries and at different levels, and with different parties such as ministries, companies, banks, and shipping companies. Everyone needed to be convinced that ratifying the Hong Kong Convention would be in their own interests. For the Netherlands, the FNV played a major role in this. It was achieved at the very last moment.’

Effect of the Hong Kong Convention

Working safer, well-organised shipyards in India

‘A lot of things have changed in the run-up to the convention: namely, many Indian shipyards already look far better organised. Waste is stored separately, and work operations take place in a much safer manner. For example, giant sheets are cut from the ships, and small groups of workers previously carried them on their shoulders. The edges of the plates are very sharp, sometimes still hot, and it is tremendously hard work. Now, however, magnetic vehicles are used to lift the plates and load them onto lorries. In addition, protective equipment and safety training are also provided. The trade union has worked very hard to arrange all of this. India is also quite advanced with regard to trade union themes such as pay, social security, pensions, and compensation after accidents. However, the Hong Kong Convention cannot become effective until all countries comply with the green standards. It is not yet a done deal. Mondiaal FNV will continue to be involved for some time.’