India has emerged as the world’s leading ship-recycling nation, with its share of global ship recycling rising to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024, according to the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Ship recycling volumes in India increased sharply to 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) in 2025, marking a nearly 60% rise from 1.86 million GT recorded in 2024. The achievement enables the country to surpass a key target under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 well ahead of schedule, establishing India as the world’s top ship-recycling destination.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the milestone reflects the success of sustained policy reforms, industry participation and adherence to international environmental and safety standards.
“India’s emergence as the world’s top ship recycling nation reflects the success of sustained policy reforms, industry efforts and adherence to international environmental and safety standards,” Sonowal said, adding that the achievement reinforces India’s position as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India’s rise has been driven by a coordinated strategy focused on sustainability, regulatory reforms, infrastructure development and close collaboration with industry stakeholders.
The ministry noted that strong future demand, growing compliance with international standards and continued government support are expected to further strengthen India’s leadership in ship recycling, while advancing the goals of the circular economy and sustainable maritime development.