India becomes world's largest ship recycling nation ahead of 2030 target

India has become the world’s largest ship recycling nation ahead of target, an official statement said Monday. According to the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ship recycling in India rose to 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025, up nearly 60% from 1.86 million GT in 2024. This goal of becoming the top ship recycling nation was in the Maritime India Vision 2030 document.

The country’s share of global ship recycling increased to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024.

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“This reinforces India's position as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling,” said union ports, shipping, and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

India also aims to nearly double its ship recycling capacity to about 9 million light displacement tons (LDT) by expanding the Alang Ship Recycling Yard. “The Gujarat government has prepared a
comprehensive master plan to support future demand, improve infrastructure and enhance India's competitiveness in the global market,” an official statement said.

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According to the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), more than 16,000 vessels are expected to be recycled globally over the
next decade.

“India is well-positioned to recycle approximately 500 to 600 vessels annually while continuing to expand its ship recycling capacity,” the statement added.