en.Wedoany.com Reported - India plans to recycle approximately 16,000 ships over the next 10 years and has committed $8 billion to support the development of its shipbuilding and ship recycling industry. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced this target on Wednesday.
The announcement came as India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on sustainable ship recycling and reviewed progress on including Indian ship recycling facilities under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). During a meeting with EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, Sonowal stated that adding more internationally recognized Indian recycling yards would contribute to the global circular economy by promoting environmentally responsible ship recycling, creating jobs, and supporting the sustainable growth of the maritime sector.
According to an official statement, both sides reviewed ongoing audits and compliance checks of Indian ship recycling yards seeking approval under the EU framework. Roswall welcomed the progress and proposed the formation of a Joint Working Group (JWG), comprising representatives from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries and organizations, to help coordinate the next phase of the process. She also emphasized the importance of conducting unannounced inspections to maintain high standards of compliance, transparency, and accountability.
The statement said the issue will be discussed during the autumn meeting of EU member states before a final decision is made. Roswall also expressed willingness to visit Indian ship recycling facilities once the consultation and evaluation process is completed. She noted that the EU's approach aligns with the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations and the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
Recognition of Indian ship recycling facilities under the EU framework would enhance global ship recycling capacity, improve environmental and safety standards, support responsible end-of-life management of ships, and make the global maritime supply chain more resilient and sustainable.
India's share in the global ship recycling market has further expanded. According to the latest estimates from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India's share of global ship recycling increased from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025. In 2025, the country recycled 2.99 million gross tonnage (GT) of ships, a nearly 60% increase from 1.86 million GT in 2024.
Sonowal stated that the government is helping Indian ship recycling yards gain international recognition through transparent audit, inspection, and regulatory compliance processes. He added that Indian recycling facilities have invested heavily in improving infrastructure and operations to meet international standards. According to the minister, Indian ship recycling yards are equipped with environmental infrastructure such as sewage treatment plants and scientific waste management systems, while worker welfare measures include multi-specialty medical facilities supported by the Red Cross and dedicated worker housing. Sonowal also said the government conducts regular periodic inspections and unannounced checks to ensure environmental compliance, worker safety, and operational transparency are maintained.
