India Becomes Top Ship Recycling Nation

On 22nd June 2026, according to a UNCTAD report, India emerged as the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a key target under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 ahead of schedule.

Key Points:

Global Leadership: India increased its share of global ship recycling from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025, becoming the world's largest ship recycling nation.
Higher Recycling Volume: India recycled 2.99 million Gross Tonnes (GT) of ships in 2025, a nearly 60% increase from 1.86 million GT in 2024.
Key Reforms: The achievement has been driven by the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention, financial assistance for yard modernisation and the Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme.
Modernisation Support: The government provided ₹53.5 crore to modernise 115 ship recycling yards, making them compliant with international environmental and safety standards.
Future Expansion: India plans to expand the capacity of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard to about 9 million Light Displacement Tonnes (LDT) and is pursuing inclusion of its recycling facilities in the European Union's approved list.