India has emerged as the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a major target under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 nearly five years ahead of schedule.
According to the latest report of 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.
Ship recycling activity in India rose significantly to 2.99 million Gross Tonnes (GT) in 2025, registering a growth of nearly 60% compared to 1.86 million GT in 2024.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated that this achievement reflects the success of policy reforms, modernization efforts, and compliance with international environmental and safety standards.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that India is now emerging as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling.
About Ship Recycling
Ship recycling refers to the dismantling of old ships for recovering:
Steel and metals
Machinery and equipment
Reusable components
It contributes to:
Circular economy
Resource efficiency
Sustainable industrial development
The recycled steel obtained from ships supports various manufacturing industries.
Key Factors Behind India's Achievement
Implementation of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019.
Ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).
Introduction of the Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme.
Modernization of ship recycling yards.
Expansion plans for the Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard.
Efforts to include Indian yards under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) approved list.
Additional Key Facts:
Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030
Launched by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Released in: 2021
A blueprint for India's maritime sector development.
Contains over 150 initiatives across ports, shipping, inland waterways, and shipbuilding.
Aim:
Make India a leading maritime nation.
Improve logistics efficiency.
Promote shipbuilding and ship recycling.
Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard (ASSRY)
Located in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.
World's largest ship recycling cluster.
Accounts for about 97% of India's ship recycling activity.
Benefits from:
High tidal range (10–11 metres).
Gentle beach gradient suitable for beaching vessels.
Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
Full Name: Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
Adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009.
Objective:
Ensure ship recycling does not pose risks to human health and the environment.
India ratified the Convention in 2019.
Recycling of Ships Act, 2019
Enacted to align India's ship recycling industry with global environmental and safety standards.
Provides a framework for:
Authorization of ship recycling facilities.
Safe handling of hazardous materials.
Environmental protection during ship dismantling.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
Established: 1964
Headquarters: Geneva
Specialized UN body dealing with:
Trade
Investment
Sustainable development
Maritime transport and logistics
Blue Economy:
Refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for:
Economic growth
Improved livelihoods
Employment generation
Ocean ecosystem conservation
Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes):
Achievement in News → India became World's Top Ship Recycling Nation
Year → 2025
Global Share → 35.4%
Previous Share (2024) → 30.1%
Ship Recycling Volume (2025) → 2.99 Million GT
Target Achieved Under → Maritime India Vision 2030
Major Ship Recycling Hub → Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard, Gujarat
Relevant Law → Recycling of Ships Act, 2019
International Convention → Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
Related Concept → Blue Economy
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - New Batch Starts on 24-06-2026 
