India emerges as global leader in ship recycling

India has emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a key maritime milestone well ahead of its 2030 target under Maritime India Vision.

 According to the latest report by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, India’s share in global ship recycling rose sharply to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024.

  Ship recycling volumes in India surged nearly 60% to 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025, compared with 1.86 million GT a year earlier, highlighting the country’s growing dominance in the sector.

  Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the achievement reflects the success of policy reforms, industry collaboration and India’s growing adherence to global environmental and safety standards.

  The government has introduced several measures to strengthen the ecosystem, including the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, aligned with the Hong Kong Convention for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. Financial support of ₹53.5 crore has also helped modernise 115 ship recycling facilities.

  To further boost growth, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched the Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme, offering incentives to ship owners and promoting domestic shipbuilding.

  India is also expanding the Alang Ship Recycling Yard, aiming to nearly double recycling capacity to 9 million light displacement tons (LDT). 

With over 16,000 vessels expected to be recycled globally in the next decade, India is well-positioned to recycle 500–600 ships annually, strengthening its role as a global hub for sustainable and responsible ship recycling.

—FPJ News Service