Investigation of the Challenges of Ship Recycling at Apapa Ship Repair Yard

Ship recycling is an industrially significant activity with major environmental and occupational health implications. This study investigates the operational challenges associated with ship recycling activities at the Apapa Ship Repair Yard in Lagos, including the management of hazardous materials, worker safety practices, and environmental compliance. The research adopts a descriptive case study design, using structured interviews with twenty-two yard workers and supervisors, field observations of dismantling operations, and review of yard management records. The study is benchmarked against the requirements of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Findings reveal that the yard operates without a certified ship recycling facility plan and that pre-recycling inventories of hazardous materials are not conducted systematically. Workers engaged in cutting operations involving asbestos-containing materials and antifouling paint residues lack appropriate respiratory protective equipment and hazard awareness. Waste materials including oily rags, used lubricants, and paint residues are disposed of without proper segregation or treatment. The research identifies a significant gap between current yard practices and international best standards, attributable to limited regulatory enforcement and inadequate investment in safety infrastructure. Recommendations include adoption of the Hong Kong Convention standards, mandatory worker safety training, provision of personal protective equipment, and establishment of a waste segregation protocol at the yard. Keywords: ship recycling, Apapa, hazardous materials, Hong Kong Convention, worker safety