**Executive Summary**
This report outlines the reaffirmed commitment between India and the European Union to include Indian ship recycling facilities under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). Following a significant $8 billion investment and a rise to a 35.4% global market share in 2025, India aims to recycle 16,000 ships over the next decade. Key upcoming actions include the formation of a Joint Working Group (JWG) and an EU autumn session to discuss final decisions regarding yard recognition.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**EU Recognition and Compliance**
* More than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for EU recognition.
* Six yards are currently undergoing the compliance and approval process.
* Three facilities have successfully completed all compliance procedures and are now eligible for inclusion under the EUSRR framework.
**Market Leadership and Financial Targets**
* India’s global ship recycling market share increased from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025.
* The country recycled 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025, a 60% growth compared to 2024.
* The Government of India has committed $8 billion to strengthen the shipbuilding and recycling ecosystem.
**Infrastructure and Welfare Standards**
* Facilities feature effluent treatment plants and scientific waste management systems.
* Worker welfare measures include dedicated housing and multi-speciality healthcare supported by the Red Cross Society.
* The government enforces standards through periodic and unannounced inspections to ensure transparency and environmental compliance.
**Strategic Cooperation**
* A Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising representatives from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant bodies has been proposed to facilitate coordination.
* The EU’s approach aligns with the Hong Kong International Convention and the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions.
* EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall expressed a willingness to visit Indian facilities following the completion of assessment processes.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Ship Recycling Yards**
**Impact**
Eligible yards gain access to the European market, enhancing their position in the global circular economy and attracting more international business.
**Action Required**
Yards must maintain high operational standards to pass ongoing audits and prepare for unannounced inspections by both Indian and EU authorities.
**Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways**
**Impact**
Responsible for managing the $8 billion investment and achieving the long-term goal of recycling 16,000 ships.
**Action Required**
The Ministry must facilitate the transparent audit process and coordinate with the Ministry of Environment to form the Joint Working Group (JWG).
**European Union (EU)**
**Impact**
The recognition of Indian yards will strengthen global ship recycling capacity and reinforce sustainable maritime supply chains.
**Action Required**
EU member states must discuss the findings of the current audits during the upcoming autumn session before making a final decision on yard inclusions.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR): The primary regulatory framework governing the audit, compliance, and inclusion of Indian ship recycling yards for international recognition.
Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships: The international maritime treaty whose standards and provisions are being aligned with India-EU ship recycling cooperation.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The lead Indian ministry responsible for the $8 billion investment commitment and facilitating the upgrading of recycling yards to international standards.
Joint Working Group (JWG): A proposed collaborative body intended to facilitate effective coordination between Indian ministries and the EU for the next phase of the recognition process.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement: The broader strategic and economic framework under which maritime cooperation and sustainable recycling practices are being advanced.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
India, EU Advance Cooperation on Sustainable
Ship Recycling; Three Indian Yards Ready for EU
Recognition
India consolidates global leadership in sustainable ship
recycling with 35.4% global market share: Sarbananda
Sonowal
India Commits $8 Billion to Strengthen Shipbuilding and
Recycling Ecosystem; EU Eyes Closer Regulatory
Cooperation Through Joint Working Group
India under PM Narendra Modi ji aims at recycling 16,000
ships with an $8 billion investment in shipbuilding & ship
recycling: Sarbananda Sonowal
प्रव तथ: 01 JUL 2026 8:18PM by PIB Delhi
India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in
sustainable ship recycling, with both sides expressing confidence over the progress made in facilitating the
inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation
(EUSRR).
During discussions between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular
Economy Jessika Roswall, the two sides reviewed the ongoing audit and compliance process for Indian
ship recycling yards seeking recognition under the EU regulatory framework.
The Union Minister said more than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for EU recognition, with
six yards currently undergoing the compliance and approval process. Three ship recycling facilities have
successfully 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 Shri 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," Sarbananda Sonowal said.
According to the latest UN Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) estimates, India's share in
worldwide ship recycling increased from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025. The country recycled 2.99
million gross tons (GT) of ships during 2025, registering nearly 60% growth over 1.86 million GT
recycled in 2024.The Union 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 upgrading infrastructure and operational practices 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.
Sonowal also reiterated that the government conducts periodic as well as unannounced inspections to
ensure the highest standards of environmental compliance, worker safety and operational transparency are
consistently maintained.
Highlighting India's long-term vision, Sonowal said the country aims to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over
the next decade and has announced a financial commitment of USD 8 billion to support the growth of the
shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors. Sonowal said expanding the number of internationally recognised
Indian recycling facilities would contribute significantly to the global circular economy by promoting
environmentally sound recycling practices while creating employment and strengthening maritime
sustainability.
Commissioner Roswall welcomed the progress achieved so far and proposed establishing a Joint Working
Group (JWG) comprising representatives from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries
and organisations to facilitate effective coordination and support the next phase of the process.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of unannounced inspections in maintaining high standards
of compliance, transparency and accountability, while noting 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 European Union's approach remains consistent
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 underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union 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.***
MI/Indu
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2280098) आगंतुक पटल : 538
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , ही , Marathi