Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced India’s goal to recycle around 16,000 ships in the upcoming decade. This initiative involves an investment of $8 billion in the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors. India is striving to solidify its position as the world’s primary hub for sustainable ship recycling.
Sonowal emphasized India’s significant progress in ship recycling during discussions with European Commissioner Jessika Roswall. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for India’s emergence as a global leader in safe and environmentally sustainable ship recycling practices. Sonowal highlighted India’s increasing dominance in the sector, with its global ship recycling share rising from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025, according to UNCTAD estimates.
In 2025, India recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) of ships, marking a substantial 60% growth from the 1.86 million GT recycled in 2024. More than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for recognition under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). Currently, six facilities are undergoing compliance processes, while three yards have completed all mandatory procedures and are eligible for inclusion under the EU regulatory framework.
Indian ship recycling facilities have made significant investments in infrastructure upgrades, environmental protections, and worker welfare to meet global standards. These yards are equipped with effluent treatment plants, waste management systems, healthcare facilities, and worker housing. Regular inspections ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, with the European Commissioner proposing the establishment of a Joint Working Group for closer regulatory cooperation.
