The European Commission has proposed to include two Indian ship recycling facilities, YSI Recyclers LLP and Shree Ram Vessel Scrap Pvt Ltd, in the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. This marks a significant step, as it is the first time Indian yards have been recommended under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. Both facilities are situated in Alang, Gujarat, which has the world’s largest concentration of shipbreaking capacity. The Commission has confirmed that these facilities comply with environmental and safety regulations after thorough assessment.
The draft proposal, published on July 22, remains open for public feedback until August 30, 2026. The Commission is inviting comments, which will be considered before finalizing the list. If approved, this inclusion would end a decade-long exclusion of South Asian yards from the European recycling framework, allowing EU-flagged vessels to utilize these facilities for demolition. The decision emphasizes India’s significant investments in upgrading compliance with international standards, with over 110 yards already meeting the Hong Kong Convention requirements.
Industry bodies have responded positively, viewing the proposed inclusion as beneficial for India’s ship recycling sector. This development is expected to enhance confidence in Indian recycling practices, particularly in Alang, and may encourage further inclusions of Indian facilities in future updates, solidifying India’s role as a leader in sustainable ship recycling.
