India and the European Union are strengthening cooperation on sustainable ship recycling as more Indian yards meet EU standards. The partnership supports cleaner recycling practices, regulatory alignment and investment in green maritime infrastructure.
The ship recycling industry in India is undergoing a major transformation with greater involvement of the European Union and a focus on best practices in the world of environmental compliance and sustainable working practices.
Three Indian recycling yards have now met the strict criteria set forth by the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR), marking a step toward formal recognition by the EU and a transition for the country from a recycling hub for cheap goods to one that sets environmental standards for ships.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal discussed with European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall India's commitment towards responsible recycling practices. India has committed to investing in its maritime sector by allocating nearly $8 billion for the next 10 years, aiming to recycle up to 16,000 ships, grow shipbuilding and repair capacity, and develop green maritime technology.
The Alang cluster in Gujarat is one of the world's biggest ship-breaking centres that has undergone this transformation, with modern effluent treatment facilities, advanced waste management systems, better worker accommodation and improved safety measures now operational. Obstacles to environmental compliance and transparency of operations are addressed through regular and unexpected inspections.
The consequences are evident. India's ship recycling participation grew from 30.1 per cent of the global market in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025, as the number of ships recycled in India jumped close to 2.99 million gross tonnes, a market increase of nearly 60 per cent, according to UNCTAD.
Commissioner Roswall suggested the establishment of a Joint Working Group of officials from the Ministry of Environment and all related agencies in India to facilitate the process of regulatory negotiations and to further the progress of the recognition process. She also shared that the EU's vision is aligned with the June 2025 implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HIS), and urged an inspection visit to Indian SPSF facilities after the assessment.
With the shipping industry under increasing pressure to become carbon neutral and to jump on the circular economy bandwagon, India's increasing adherence to EU standards is likely to expand its popularity among ship owners from abroad and further cement its role at the center of the next green shipping revolution.
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