Nine workers were killed after being exposed to toxic gas while dismantling an LNG carrier at a shipbreaking yard in Bangladesh. The accident occurred at the Ferdous Steel shipbreaking yard in Chattogram, where workers were breaking down the LNG carrier Rasi.
The deaths are particularly notable because Ferdous Steel is certified as compliant with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. However, the yard had been taken to task by Bangladesh's Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments just one month prior to the accident for repeated occupational safety failures.
Incident Highlights Safety Concerns
The incident adds to a growing number of accidents at Bangladesh's shipbreaking yards since the Hong Kong Convention entered into force. According to the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, 84 accidents have occurred at Bangladeshi yards since then, killing 15 workers and injuring another 81.
The organization said the latest deaths highlight what it sees as a gap between international certification and actual working conditions at ship recycling facilities. The group is calling on Bangladeshi authorities to conduct an independent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and increase unannounced inspections of recycling facilities.
Cover image: International Maritime Organization, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
