A STUDY ON THE LIFECYCLE OF STEEL IN SHIP RECYCLING INDUSTRY IN BANGLADESH

In Bangladesh the ship recycling industry plays a centric role in supplying scrap metal for domestic steel production specifically rebar (reinforcing bars) which is used in construction. This study is an examination of the lifecycle process of steel within the ship recycling sector in Bangladesh considering its environmental and economic implication. Lifecycle assessment methodology is adopted in the research in which steel production from recycled ship materials surrounding stages from ship transportation to pull apart in Chittagong and successive processing in re-rolling mills and light engineering workshops in Dhaka are studied. The discoveries recommend that producing secondary rebar from ship-derived scrap crucially reduces energy depletion and greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary rebar production. However, some processes particularly re-rolling activities contribute significantly to environmental degradation also focus on areas for development to amplify sustainability within the industry. Some of the issues point out in the study include lack of worker safety, risky disposal of hazardous wastes and need of cleaner technologies and more stringent regulations. It recommends some of the changes such as the use of energy efficient technology, promotion of safety and tighter controls on environmental factors to maximize on sustainability. The results support the role of the industry in the economy of Bangladesh and supply of steel, nationalize the environmental hotspots and pathways for sustainable ship recycling development.