Ship recycling in India is a significant industry and one of the largest in the world, particularly centered around the Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat. Here's an overview of ship recycling in India:

Overview of the Industry

1. Scale:

   • India accounts for a substantial portion of global ship recycling, handling 30-40% of the world's dismantled ships annually.
   • The Alang yard is the largest ship recycling yard globally, with over 150 active plots.

2. Economic Significance:

   • Provides employment to thousands of workers, many of whom are migrants.
   • Recovered materials, such as steel, are vital for India's construction and manufacturing industries.

3. Process:

   • Ships are dismantled to recover steel, machinery, and non-ferrous metals.
   • Reusable components like engines, generators, and furniture are sold in local markets.

Advantages

1. Resource Efficiency:

   • Recycling ships reduces the demand for raw materials like iron ore, thus conserving natural resources.
   • The steel recovered is a significant source of scrap metal for India's steel industry.

2. Cost Savings:

   • Shipowners save on disposal costs, and Indian companies benefit from low-cost steel and materials.

3. Employment Generation:

   • The industry creates jobs for tens of thousands of workers, contributing to local economies.

Challenges

1. Environmental Impact:

   • Shipbreaking can lead to pollution from hazardous materials like asbestos, oil sludge, and heavy metals.
   • Poor waste management can harm marine ecosystems.

2. Worker Safety:

   • Workers often face hazardous conditions, with risks of injury, exposure to toxic substances, and inadequate safety equipment.

3. Compliance:

   • Meeting international standards, such as those set by the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, remains a challenge.

Regulatory Landscape

1. Hong Kong Convention:

   • India is a signatory and has been working toward compliance.
   • Ensures environmentally sound and safe recycling practices.

2. Ship Recycling Act, 2019:

   • Aims to align Indian yards with global standards.
   • Focuses on worker safety and environmental safeguards.

3. Green Recycling Initiatives:

   • Several yards in Alang are now ISO-certified and comply with international standards for sustainable ship recycling.

Current Trends

1. Shift to "Green" Recycling:

   • Increasing pressure from global stakeholders for environmentally sound practices.
   • Some Indian yards are adopting advanced technologies to minimize environmental damage.

2. Increased Regulation Compliance:

   • India has been investing in upgrades to align with international norms, enhancing its reputation globally.

3. Role in Circular Economy:

   • Ship recycling is a critical part of the circular economy, promoting reuse and recycling over disposal.

India's ship recycling industry is a cornerstone of global maritime sustainability, but it requires continued investment in safety, technology, and environmental standards to maintain its leadership and ensure sustainable growth.