Image Credit: PIB
India and the European Union have intensified efforts to deepen cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, with three Indian ship recycling facilities now having completed all compliance requirements needed to seek inclusion under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) framework.
The development emerged during discussions between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, on 1st July, as both sides reviewed progress in the audit and compliance process for Indian ship recycling yards seeking recognition under EU regulations.
The talks reflect growing India-EU cooperation in maritime sustainability and circular economy initiatives, while also supporting broader efforts to align global ship recycling practices with environmental and worker safety standards.
More Than 30 Indian Yards Seek EU Recognition
According to the Union Minister, more than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for EU recognition. Of these, six facilities are currently undergoing the approval and compliance process, while three have successfully completed all required procedures and are now eligible to apply for inclusion under the EUSRR framework.
Highlighting India’s growing prominence in the sector, Minister Sonowal said: “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the world’s leading ship-recycling nation and is steadily strengthening its position as a global hub for safe, environmentally sustainable and responsible ship recycling.”
India Expands Global Share in Ship Recycling
India’s position in the global ship recycling industry has strengthened significantly over the past year.
According to estimates from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India’s share of worldwide ship recycling increased from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025. During 2025, the country recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) of ships, marking nearly 60 per cent growth compared to 1.86 million GT recycled in 2024.
The minister noted that the Government of India is facilitating the inclusion of Indian facilities through a transparent process involving audits, inspections and regulatory compliance. He added that ship recycling yards across the country have invested significantly in upgrading infrastructure and operational standards to meet international requirements.
Focus on Environmental Compliance and Worker Welfare
Minister Sonowal said Indian ship recycling facilities have strengthened environmental and worker welfare systems through investments in effluent treatment plants, scientific waste-management mechanisms, dedicated worker housing and multi-speciality healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society.
He also emphasised that authorities conduct both scheduled and surprise inspections to ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations, worker safety norms and operational transparency.
India Targets Recycling of 16,000 Ships in Next Decade
Outlining India’s long-term maritime ambitions, the Minister said the country aims to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next ten years and has earmarked an investment commitment of approximately USD 8 billion to support growth in the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors.
He said increasing the number of internationally recognised Indian recycling facilities would support the global circular economy while generating employment opportunities and strengthening sustainable maritime practices.
EU Proposes Joint Working Group
European Commissioner Jessika Roswall welcomed the progress made by Indian facilities and proposed the creation of a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising representatives from environment ministries and other relevant organisations from both sides. The proposed mechanism would help coordinate the next phase of engagement and facilitate smoother implementation of compliance requirements.
Commissioner Roswall underscored the importance of unannounced inspections in maintaining transparency, accountability and high environmental standards. She noted that the matter would be discussed with EU member states during the autumn session before any final decisions are taken.
She also expressed interest in visiting Indian ship recycling facilities following completion of the consultation and assessment process.
Alignment with FTA Discussions and Hong Kong Convention
Commissioner Roswall reaffirmed that the European Union’s approach remains consistent with the outcomes of India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions and the provisions of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which establishes global standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.
The discussions highlight the expanding strategic partnership between India and the European Union in sustainable maritime development. Recognition of Indian facilities under the EU framework is expected to enhance global recycling capacity, improve environmental and safety standards, and strengthen resilient maritime supply chains while supporting responsible end-of-life management of ships worldwide.
