India emerges as world's top ship-recycling nation in 2025

India has emerged as the world's top ship-recycling nation, with its share of global ship-recycling increasing to 35.4 per cent in 2025 from 30.1 per cent in 2024, according to an official statement.

The statement, citing the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said ship recycling in India rose significantly to 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) in 2025, up nearly 60 per cent from 1.86 million GT in 2024.

With this achievement, the target set under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 to become the world's leading ship-recycling nation has been met well ahead of schedule, it added.


On this occasion, Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "India's emergence as the world's top ship recycling nation reflects the success of sustained policy reforms, industry efforts and adherence to international environmental and safety standards".

It reinforces India's position as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling, Sonowal added.

The statement noted that India's rise to the top position in global ship recycling is the result of a coordinated strategy focused on sustainability, regulatory reforms, infrastructure development and industry collaboration.

With strong future demand, increasing compliance with international standards and continued government support, India is well-positioned to strengthen its leadership in ship recycling while advancing the objectives of the circular economy and sustainable maritime development, it added.