EU Moves to Include Two Indian Ship Recycling Yards on Approved List
In a significant development for India’s ship recycling industry, the European Commission has proposed adding two Indian ship recycling facilities to the European List of approved ship recycling yards, marking a potential breakthrough after years of exclusion of South Asian recycling facilities from the EU framework. If approved, the decision would represent the first time Indian ship recycling yards are formally included on the European List.
The proposal is being viewed as an important step toward recognising the substantial investments made by Indian recyclers to meet international environmental and safety standards.
The move has been welcomed by European shipowners, who have long argued that several Indian recycling yards comply with high environmental and worker safety standards comparable to those required under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) described the proposal as a positive and long-awaited development, saying it would provide shipowners with more sustainable recycling options while supporting global efforts to improve responsible ship recycling.
For years, the exclusion of Indian yards from the EU-approved list has remained a contentious issue despite many facilities obtaining Statements of Compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC). Industry stakeholders have argued that the omission limited recycling choices for EU-flagged vessels and failed to recognise the extensive upgrades undertaken by Indian recyclers in areas such as hazardous waste management, impermeable working floors, worker safety and emergency response systems.
India has consistently sought greater recognition from the European Union, with more than 30 ship recycling yards reportedly applying for EU approval. According to recent government statements, several facilities have completed the required compliance procedures and are eligible for inclusion under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation framework.
The proposed inclusion is expected to strengthen confidence in India’s ship recycling sector, particularly at Alang, where significant investments have been made to align operations with international standards following the entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention in June 2025. Industry observers believe the decision could pave the way for additional Indian facilities to gain EU recognition in the future, boosting India’s position as a leading destination for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.
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