New Delhi: India ship recycling is set to grow rapidly over the next decade. The Government of India has announced a target to recycle nearly 16,000 ships in the next 10 years. It has also committed USD 8 billion to strengthen the country’s shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors. The announcement was made by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during discussions with the European Union on sustainable maritime cooperation.
Details of India Ship Recycling Plan
The government wants to make India a global leader in safe and environmentally friendly ship recycling. The investment will help improve shipbuilding infrastructure, modernize recycling facilities, create jobs, and support economic growth.
The plan is also expected to strengthen India’s position in the global maritime industry while promoting sustainable development.
India’s Growing Share in Ship Recycling
According to the latest estimates from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India’s share in global ship recycling increased from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025. India recycled around 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) of ships in 2025, showing nearly 60% growth compared with the previous year.
India and EU Strengthen Partnership
India and the European Union have agreed to expand cooperation in sustainable ship recycling. Both sides reviewed the progress of Indian recycling yards seeking recognition under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). More Indian facilities are expected to meet international environmental and safety standards, making them eligible to recycle EU-flagged ships.
What are the Benefits of India Ship Recycling Plan
The new investment is expected to:
- Create more employment in the maritime sector.
- Increase India’s shipbuilding capacity.
- Improve environmentally safe recycling practices.
- Attract more international business.
- Support India’s long-term blue economy goals.
Experts believe this will help India become one of the world’s leading maritime hubs.
What Happens Next?
The government will continue upgrading ship recycling yards and expanding shipbuilding infrastructure. It will also work closely with international partners to meet global safety and environmental standards. If the plan succeeds, India could further strengthen its leadership in the global ship recycling industry while supporting sustainable economic growth.
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