India targets recycling 16,000 ships in next decade with $8 bn push: Sarbananda Sonowal
New Delhi, July 1
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said India aims to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next decade with an investment commitment of $8 billion in the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors, as the country strengthens its position as the world's leading hub for sustainable ship recycling.
Speaking after talks with European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, Sonowal said India has emerged as the global leader in ship recycling under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is committed to ensuring safe, environmentally sustainable and responsible recycling practices.
"Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India has emerged as the world's leading ship recycling nation and is steadily strengthening its position as a global hub for safe, environmentally sustainable and responsible ship recycling," the minister said.
Highlighting India's growing dominance in the sector, Sonowal said the country's share in global ship recycling has increased from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025, according to the latest UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates.
India recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) of ships in 2025, registering nearly 60 per cent growth over the 1.86 million GT recycled in 2024.
The minister said more than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for recognition under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR).
Of these, six facilities are currently undergoing the compliance and approval process, while three yards have completed all mandatory compliance procedures and are now eligible to seek inclusion under the EU regulatory framework.
Sonowal said Indian ship recycling facilities have invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure, environmental safeguards and worker welfare to meet global standards.
He noted that the yards are equipped with effluent treatment plants, scientific waste management systems, healthcare facilities and dedicated housing for workers, while periodic and surprise inspections ensure compliance with environmental and safety norms.
The European Commissioner welcomed the progress made by India and proposed setting up a Joint Working Group to facilitate closer regulatory cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding India-EU collaboration in sustainable ship recycling and promoting environmentally responsible maritime practices.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is wonderful news for our blue economy! The jump from 30% to 35% global share in just one year shows our commitment. The EU recognition is crucial for export markets. Sonowal ji is doing excellent work linking ship recycling with circular economy principles. 👏
Impressive numbers but let's be critical - 16,000 ships in 10 years means 1,600 per year. Current capacity is around 300-400 large vessels. The infrastructure upgrade will need massive coordination between ports and recycling yards. Hope the $8 billion is well-utilized and not lost in bureaucratic delays.
As someone who works in maritime logistics, this is a smart move for India. EU regulations are getting stricter, and having EU-recognized yards gives Indian recyclers a competitive edge over Bangladesh and Pakistan. The joint working group with Europe will help standardize practices too.
Great initiative but I'm concerned about worker safety. I've read reports about accidents in Alang ship-breaking yard. The minister mentioned healthcare facilities and housing, but we need strict implementation. Also, what about the recyclable materials? Steel from ships could boost our domestic manufacturing. \ud83e\udd14
Interesting development. From an environmental perspective, ship recycling in India has historically been problematic due to asbestos and heavy metal disposal. The new regulations and EU alignment are positive steps, but I'll believe the "sustainable" claims when I see independent audits of these facilities.
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