Ex-Norwegian minister lauds progress of BD’s ship recycling industry
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Former climate and environment minister of Norway Erik Solheim visited the Kabir Steel Ship Recycling facilities in Sonaichhari area of Sitakunda in Chattogram on Sunday, says a press release.
During his visit, he praised the remarkable progress of Bangladesh's ship recycling industry over the past 14 years.
"Upon my return, I intend to advocate for our ship owners to consider Bangladesh as a viable option," he said.
Erik Solheim remarked, "A decade ago, in 2010, I found the ship recycling industry here to be hazardous and disorganised. However, this visit reveals a remarkable transformation. This industry has now emerged as a world leader in ship recycling, prioritising safety and aesthetics."
Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen accompanied Erik Solheim during his visit.
Rikter-Svendsen said, "I have visited Sitakunda frequently over the past three years, and each visit reveals striking improvements. The positive changes are evident throughout the town. Specifically, at Kabir Steel, I have observed significant advancements."
"We've provided technical support to the IMO project, assisting yard owners and the government," he added.
Mehrul Karim, CEO of KSRM Group, highlighted that the ship recycling yard is equipped with the latest technology to dismantle ships in compliance with the Hong Kong Convention.
"Our commitment to sustainability is evident. We've developed world-class facilities that have earned us three prestigious "Green Certificates" from independent organisations. Notably, we are the first ship recycling yard globally to utilise an electro-hydraulic shearing machine to cut steel plates into small pieces," he added.
Managing Director of Kabir Ship Recycling Facilities Mohammad Karim Uddin and Media Advisor of KSRM Group Mizanul Islam were also present.
Kabir Ship Recycling Facilities, a concern of the KSRM Group, obtained the ClassNK green certificate as the third yard in the ship recycling industry of Bangladesh in 2023.