India has strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainable ship recycling, accounting for 35.4% of the world’s ship recycling volume in 2025, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that the Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat continues to dominate the country’s ship recycling industry, handling 98% of India’s total ship recycling activity.
The Minister highlighted that the government has undertaken a series of initiatives to modernise the sector and align it with international environmental and safety standards. These include significant improvements in worker welfare and occupational safety, development of 115 Hong Kong International Convention (HKC)-compliant recycling plots, and ongoing efforts to expand ship recycling capacity.
To further enhance India’s competitiveness in the global ship recycling market, the government is also promoting policy measures such as the Shipbreaking Credit Note Scheme, aimed at encouraging domestic shipbuilding while supporting environmentally responsible recycling practices.
The Ministry said these initiatives are helping position India as a global hub for safe, sustainable, and environmentally sound ship recycling, while strengthening the country’s maritime ecosystem and supporting the circular economy.
India’s continued leadership in the sector reflects the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international standards, and creating a globally competitive ship recycling industry.