Chittagong: Vice President of the Japanese Ship Owners Association Keiji Tomoda commented that the future of Bangladesh’s shipbreaking and recycling industry is bright.

He commented in an exclusive interview given to Ekushey newspaper at KR Ship Recycling Yard in Sitakunda on Monday (May 22).

Keiji Tomoda said, ‘I see a bright future for ship breaking and recycling industry in Bangladesh. Because the business people of Bangladesh are very skilled, experienced and business-friendly, they are keen to continue business following international standards. At the same time, they are much more aware of the environment.’

Keiji Tomoda said, ‘Hundreds of shipyards have been green in India. Bangladesh is behind in this regard. But I think very soon Bangladesh will move ahead in this sector. The yards are already turning green; PHP, SN Corporation, and Kabir ship breaking green yard. KR Ship Recycling Yard is on its way to becoming a Green Yard. Soon they are going to get the certificate. If the shipyards of Bangladesh are green, we will prefer Bangladesh to sell ships. Because we love and like Bangladesh very much.’

‘We want to take Bangladesh as a better option for sending ships. Bangladesh’s government should come forward for this. By 2025, the number of green shipyards should be greatly increased. This is very important. We do not want our ships to negatively impact the environment and human life in Bangladesh. We are very aware of these issues.’

Keiji Tomoda said, ‘Today we visited the KR Ship Recycling Yard. This is our last visit like this one. Earlier, I visited the ship recycling industry in Bangladesh in 2019. From that time to now, the situation has improved a lot. The environment of the yards has changed a lot. So I can say that the bright future of Bangladesh is peeking in this industry. We are also interested in working with Bangladesh and are very hopeful.’