European Union to recognise three Indian ship recycling yards

India and the European Union (EU) have stepped up cooperation on sustainable ship recycling, with both sides expressing confidence in progress toward including Indian facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). The issue was reviewed during talks between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall.

Sonowal said over 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for EU recognition, with six currently undergoing compliance assessments. The minister also informed that India aims to recycle 16,000 ships in the coming next decade and has committed $8 billion to give push to shipbuilding and recycling segments.

“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,” Sonowal said.

Three recycling facilities have completed all required procedures and are now eligible to seek formal inclusion under the EU framework, marking a key milestone in aligning India’s recycling ecosystem with global standards.

Highlighting India’s growing leadership in the sector, Sonowal noted that the country has emerged as the world’s leading ship-recycling nation. According to UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates, India’s share of global ship recycling rose from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025. The country recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) of ships in 2025, a nearly 60 per cent increase from 1.86 million GT in 2024.

The minister said the government is facilitating EU listing through transparent audits, inspections and regulatory compliance. Indian yards have invested significantly in modernising infrastructure and adopting international best practices, including effluent treatment systems, scientific waste management, healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society and dedicated worker housing.

He added that periodic and surprise inspections are conducted to ensure adherence to environmental norms, worker safety and operational transparency.

Roswall welcomed the progress and proposed setting up a Joint Working Group (JWG) to enhance coordination for the next phase. She stressed the importance of unannounced inspections and said the issue would be discussed with EU member states before a final decision. She also expressed interest in visiting Indian facilities after assessments conclude.