Ship recycling is a significant industry in India, with the Alang-Sosiya yard in Gujarat serving as one of the largest shipbreaking sites globally. The practice involves dismantling decommissioned ships and reusing valuable materials like steel, but it also raises concerns about environmental pollution and worker safety. While shipbreaking remains legal in India, stricter laws and international conventions have been introduced to regulate the process.
International Regulations on Ship RecyclingSeveral international conventions govern ship recycling to ensure it is conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention) is the most recent and will come into force in June 2025. This convention aims to prevent environmental pollution and protect human health during ship recycling operations. Other important conventions include MARPOL 73/78 for pollution prevention, the Basel Convention for hazardous waste control, and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, which focuses on worker safety.
India, however, is not a party to certain amendments like the Basel Convention Ban Amendment or the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), which prohibit exporting hazardous waste to developing countries. Despite this, India has taken steps to align its national laws with international standards, especially with the passage of The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, which adopts the principles of the Hong Kong Convention.
Ship Recycling in India: National LawsIndia has introduced various labor and environmental laws to regulate ship recycling. Laws like the Factories Act, 1948, and the Workers Compensation Act, 1923, protect worker rights and ensure safe working conditions. On the environmental front, shipbreaking is regulated by laws such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Ship Breaking Code, 2013 mandates environmental impact assessments for new facilities, ensuring compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications. This code also emphasizes the safe disposal of hazardous materials and mandates their handover to authorized waste management facilities.
The Alang-Sosiya Shipbreaking YardThe Alang-Sosiya yard houses 153 shipbreaking yards, of which 131 are operational. As of August 2023, 106 yards have received Statements of Compliance under the Hong Kong Convention, and several others are applying for EU SRR certification. Alang has played a key role in India’s ship recycling industry, with thousands of vessels dismantled annually.
For example, in the 2019-2020 financial year, 202 ships were dismantled with a Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT) of over 1.62 million metric tons. By August 2023, 40 ships had already been dismantled with a total LDT of approximately 348,000 metric tons. This showcases the continued importance of shipbreaking in India's maritime industry.
ConclusionShip recycling in India remains a vital industry, providing raw materials for manufacturing and employment for thousands of workers. Although the laws have become stricter, there is no outright ban on shipbreaking. With the upcoming enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention in 2025, India is set to further improve its ship recycling practices, ensuring that they are safer and more environmentally responsible. This evolving regulatory landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for the future of ship recycling in India.
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