Bangladesh has a vast workforce willing to work for low wages, making it a highly cost-effective destination for dismantling end-of-life vessels.
Compared to many other nations, Bangladesh enforces less stringent environmental standards. This reduces compliance costs for ship breakers, though it raises significant ecological and health concerns.
The industry generates a massive volume of scrap steel and other metals, feeding domestic steel mills and reducing the need for imported raw materials.
The Bangladeshi government actively supports the sector through tax breaks, duty exemptions, and policy frameworks designed to attract and retain ship breaking yards.
Decades of operation have created a mature ecosystem of shipyards, recycling facilities, heavy machinery, and specialized labor in areas like Chittagong.
Increasing international demand for recycled steel has driven up scrap prices, boosting profitability and cementing Bangladesh's position as a global leader in ship recycling.