How to set up a Shipbuilding & Ship Recycling business in Bangladesh
We advise shipyards, ship-recycling yards, cash buyers and marine-engineering businesses on yard authorisation, vessel import, environmental and worker-safety compliance and shipbuilding contracts.
A global hub for ship recycling and a growing shipbuilder
The Sitakunda coast near Chattogram is one of the world’s largest ship-recycling centres, supplying steel to local industry. Bangladesh also has a growing shipbuilding industry producing inland, coastal and export vessels.
Ship recycling is regulated under the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018 and international standards, with strict requirements on yard authorisation, hazardous materials and worker safety.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Yard & Site
Coastal or riverside land with the necessary permissions.
Yard Authorisation
Ship-recycling facility authorisation and environmental clearance.
Vessel Import
Import permission, inventory of hazardous materials and customs clearance for end-of-life ships.
Shipbuilding Contracts
Shipbuilding, classification and refund-guarantee arrangements.
Safety & Labour
Worker safety, training and hazardous-waste management.
What you are likely to need
Requirements depend on the scale, location and structure of your business. Common approvals include:
- RJSC incorporation & trade licence
- e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
- Ship-recycling facility authorisation
- Environmental Clearance Certificate (DoE)
- Vessel import permission & NOCs
- DIFE factory licence (shipyards)
- Department of Shipping approvals
- IRC (industrial)
Key laws & regulators
- Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018
- Hong Kong International Convention on Ship Recycling
- Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Act, 2020
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Customs Act, 2023
- Admiralty Court Act, 2000
- Regulators: Ship Recycling Board, DoE, Department of Shipping
Your legal partner from day one
We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.
We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.
We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.
We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates ship recycling in Bangladesh?
Ship recycling is regulated under the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018, with oversight from the Ship Recycling Board and environmental authorities.
What documents are needed to import a ship for recycling?
Typically import permissions, an inventory of hazardous materials and customs and environmental clearances. Requirements are strict.
Do you advise on shipbuilding contracts?
Yes, including payment schedules, refund guarantees, delivery and warranty terms.
Speak with our legal team
Tell us about your matter. A Premier Law Services lawyer will review it and advise you on the right next step — in person at our Dhaka chamber or online.