New Delhi: India and the EU have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainable ship recycling.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall.
Both sides also expressed confidence in the progress made in facilitating the inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.
The two sides reviewed the ongoing audit and compliance process for Indian ship recycling yards seeking recognition under the EU regulatory framework, according to an official statement.
Sonowal said more than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for EU recognition, with six yards currently undergoing the compliance and approval process.
He added that three facilities have completed all required compliance procedures and are now eligible to apply for inclusion under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation framework.
“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,” the Union minister said.
According to the latest estimates by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, India’s share in global ship recycling increased from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025. The country recycled 2.99 million Gross Tons (GT) of ships in 2025, registering nearly 60% growth over 1.86 million GT recycled in 2024.
The minister said the government of India is facilitating the listing of Indian ship recycling yards through a transparent process of audits, inspections and regulatory compliance.
He noted that Indian facilities have made significant investments in infrastructure and operational upgrades to meet international standards, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime development and responsible recycling.
Sonowal said Indian ship recycling facilities are supported by robust environmental infrastructure and worker welfare measures, including effluent treatment plants, scientific waste management systems, multi-speciality healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society, and dedicated housing for workers.
He added that the government conducts both periodic and unannounced inspections to ensure high standards of environmental compliance, worker safety and operational transparency.
Highlighting India’s long-term vision, Sonowal said the country aims to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next decade and has committed USD 8 billion to support the growth of the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors. He said increasing the number of internationally recognised Indian recycling facilities would strengthen the global circular economy, create employment and promote environmentally sound recycling practices.
Roswall welcomed the progress made and proposed the establishment of a Joint Working Group comprising representatives from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries and organisations to facilitate coordination and support the next phase of the process.
She emphasised the importance of unannounced inspections in maintaining high standards of compliance, transparency and accountability, adding that the matter would be discussed with EU member states during the autumn session before any final decision is taken.
Roswall also expressed willingness to visit Indian ship recycling facilities after the consultation and assessment process is completed. She reaffirmed that the EU’s approach remains aligned with the outcomes of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions and the provisions of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
The discussions underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and the EU in advancing sustainable maritime practices.
Recognition of compliant Indian ship recycling facilities under the EU framework is expected to strengthen global recycling capacity, promote higher environmental and safety standards, and support responsible end-of-life management of ships while reinforcing resilient and sustainable global maritime supply chains.
