MSC Criticized for Unsafe Shipbreaking Practices on South Asian Beaches

MSC Criticized for Unsafe Shipbreaking Practices on South Asian Beaches

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, is under fire for dismantling its old ships in unsafe and environmentally harmful conditions on beaches in South Asia. Environmental groups and regulators have long criticized MSC for violating international laws and standards, but the company has shown little sign of improving its practices.

Hazardous Practices in Alang

This year, MSC scrapped nine ships on the tidal beaches of Alang, India, bringing the total to 27 ships dismantled in the last two years. Over the past 15 years, MSC has sent more than 100 end-of-life vessels to South Asia for dismantling, according to the Shipbreaking Platform, an NGO fighting for safe and eco-friendly ship recycling.

The NGO pointed out that some of these ships, like the MSC Floriana and MSC Giovanna, were sent to South Asia in violation of European and international laws. These laws prohibit exporting hazardous waste, including toxic ship components, from OECD (developed) countries to non-OECD (developing) nations.

Environmental and Human Rights Violations

The NGO's Director Ingvild Jenssen highlighted the risks of dismantling ships on beaches:

• Toxic materials harm the environment and marine ecosystems.
• Workers are often poorly paid, untrained, and lack protective gear, exposing them to dangerous working conditions.
• Proper waste management and environmental safeguards are missing.

The NGO is urging authorities to act against MSC for breaking environmental laws. Investigations are already underway in several EU countries, including Germany.

Financial Profits Over Safety

Despite its enormous wealth, MSC continues these practices to maximize profits. By scrapping ships in South Asia, MSC can earn up to $500 per ton of dismantled material, which is three times more than recycling in eco-friendly, EU-certified facilities. With an $86 billion turnover in 2022, MSC could afford sustainable recycling but chooses cheaper, riskier options instead.

MSC’s Stance and Future Regulations

MSC says its ship recycling policy follows the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), which sets standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. The HKC is set to take effect in April 2025, and India, home to the Alang yards, will be a signatory. Indian officials claim most shipbreaking yards in Alang are already compliant and aim to make india a leader in sustainable ship recycling.

Mixed Signals from MSC

While MSC UK launched a waste monitoring service to prevent illegal exports, critics point out the company’s poor track record in managing hazardous waste from its end-of-life ships.

As the global shipping industry faces increasing scrutiny, MSC’s shipbreaking practices have sparked widespread calls for stricter enforcement of environmental and labor standards, ensuring safer, more sustainable recycling practices.