India has become the world’s leading ship recycling nation in 2025. Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shared the news on 22 June 2026. In doing so, it cited data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Notably, India’s share of global ship recycling rose to 35.4% in 2025. Thus, India has met a Maritime India Vision 2030 target five years early.
India’s Rise in Ship Recycling
Earlier, India’s share stood at 30.1% in 2024. Then, it climbed to 35.4% in 2025. Moreover, recycled volume jumped by nearly 60% in one year. It rose from 1.86 million gross tonnes to 2.99 million gross tonnes. Soon, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the result. He said it “reflects the success of sustained policy reforms.”
Reforms Behind the Achievement
First, India passed the Recycling of Ships Act in 2019. In the same year, it ratified the Hong Kong International Convention on safe ship recycling. As a result, 115 recycling facilities have become compliant with the Convention. In addition, the Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme helps owners who recycle vessels in India. Under it, owners get a credit note worth 40% of the scrap value. They can use it for a new ship built in an Indian yard.
Alang: India’s Recycling Hub
Notably, most of this work happens at Alang in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. Now, the government plans to expand the Alang yard further. It aims to nearly double national capacity to about 9 million light displacement tonnes. Meanwhile, India is also seeking the inclusion of its yards under the European Union’s Ship Recycling Regulation.
Benefits of Ship Recycling
Ship recycling supplies large volumes of re-rollable steel. Therefore, it cuts demand for fresh iron ore and saves energy. It also supports thousands of jobs in coastal Gujarat. Hence, the sector fits both the circular economy and the Blue Economy goals.
Ship Recycling: Key Facts for Revision
- India’s share in 2025: 35.4% (up from 30.1% in 2024)
- Volume: 2.99 million gross tonnes, up nearly 60%
- Data source: UNCTAD
- Main hub: Alang, Gujarat
- Key law: Recycling of Ships Act, 2019
- Convention: Hong Kong International Convention, ratified in 2019
Why Ship Recycling Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, maritime reforms and the circular economy are common GS Paper III topics. So, remember the share, the source and the 2019 law. Also, link this record with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala programme. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Next, for a related story, read about the world’s first nuclear hydrogen plant at Kalpakkam.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.