Introduction
Consolidating its global maritime industrial supremacy, India officially emerged as the world's number-one ship recycling nation, expanding its global market share from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025, according to data presented on 14 August 2026.
Operational Growth and Alang-Sosiya Hegemony
India's ship dismantling and green recycling sector registered unprecedented operational growth:
- Dismantling Volume: India dismantled and recycled 2.99 million Gross Tonnes (GT) of obsolete merchant vessels in 2025—a massive 60% surge compared to 1.86 million GT handled in 2024.
- Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard: Located in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Alang-Sosiya handles over 98% of India's ship recycling, operating with an annual processing capacity of approximately 6 million GT.
- Regulatory Compliance: Governed by the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, Ship Recycling Rules 2021, and the updated Ship Recycling Regulations 2026.
- Hong Kong Convention Alignment: India spearheaded the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (which entered into force globally in June 2025), with over 100 yards at Alang certified as eco-compliant.
Key Facts
- Global Status: India is the World's #1 Ship Recycling Nation (35.4% Global Share)
- Annual Volume: 2.99 Million Gross Tonnes (GT) in 2025 (up 60% from 2024)
- Key Hub: Alang-Sosiya Ship Breaking Yard, Bhavnagar, Gujarat (98% of domestic capacity)
- Governing Law: Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 & Hong Kong Convention (in force June 2025)
- Future Target: Expanding recycling capacity to 9 Million Light Displacement Tonnes (LDT)
Exam Perspective
For UPSC and TNPSC examinations, this topic covers Maritime Economy, Blue Economy, Ship Recycling Act 2019, Hong Kong Convention (IMO), and Environmental Safety Standards in GS Paper III.
Conclusion
India's preeminence in green ship recycling exemplifies sustainable circular industrial practices, transforming decommissioned maritime assets into high-grade secondary steel and employment while adhering to rigorous environmental safety protocols.