A growing dispute has emerged regarding the inclusion of Indian shipbreaking yards using the beaching method within European environmental regulations. Various stakeholders, including steelmakers, recyclers, trade unions, and environmental organizations, have united in urging the European Commission to withdraw its proposal to add two shipbreaking facilities in Alang-Sosiya, Gujarat, to the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. This would mark the first approval of Indian yards under the EU system, despite significant opposition.
The facilities in question, Shree Ram Vessel Scrap Pvt. Ltd. and YSI Recyclers LLP, utilize beaching—a method of dismantling ships by driving them onto intertidal zones. Critics argue that this technique poses environmental risks, particularly in preventing hazardous materials from contaminating soil and water. With recent incidents, such as a heavy fuel oil spill at another facility in Alang, opponents assert that such practices must be disqualified under European standards.
The call for opposition has drawn support from reputed industry groups, including EUROFER, Recycling Europe, and the European Environmental Bureau, who contend that approving the Indian yards would disadvantage European facilities that adhere to stricter environmental regulations. They also emphasize the importance of keeping recycling capacity in Europe for end-of-life ships, which provide valuable sources of scrap steel and raw materials.
In stark contrast, major shipping associations have supported the Commission’s proposal, arguing for an assessment based on individual facility performance rather than dismantling methods. They highlight the significant investments made by the two Alang facilities in infrastructure and environmental management, asserting that denying them approval would undermine the credibility of the EU’s regulatory framework. The ongoing debate raises critical questions about whether beaching as a method should disqualify facilities from EU approval, especially as the international Hong Kong Convention establishes new requirements for safe ship recycling.
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