India–Norway Collaboration Strengthens Commitment to Safer and Greener Ship Recycling
Bhavnagar, August 28
In a significant stride towards advancing global cooperation in occupational safety, sustainability, and compliance within the ship recycling industry, a high-level delegation from India and Norway convened in Bhavnagar for a two-day workshop that underscored the importance of collaboration in meeting shared challenges. The Norway–India Collaborative Workshop on “Advancing Occupational Safety and Health in Ship Recycling: A Collaborative Approach to Shared Challenges and Solutions” was jointly organised by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Mumbai, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on August 21–22.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, worker representatives, and researchers, united by a shared objective of making ship recycling safer, more sustainable, and aligned with international standards. Over the course of two days, discussions centred on global best practices, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the need to develop solutions that protect both workers and the environment while promoting economic growth.
Among the prominent delegates were Sameer Kumar Khare, Chairman of the National Shipping Board (NSB); Fredrik Bjerke Abdelmaguid, Consul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai; and Gopikrishna C, Engineer and Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech) at the Directorate General of Shipping. Their presence signalled the seriousness with which both nations regard the future of ship recycling, an industry that has been at the heart of global maritime sustainability debates.
The workshop was co-chaired across sessions by representatives from the ILO, the Norwegian Consulate, the Directorate General of Shipping, the Gujarat Maritime Board, the Ship Recycling Industries Association (SRIA), and the Association of Ship Recycling Industries Gujarat Welfare Association (ASSRGWA). This inclusive format reflected the spirit of the event: a tripartite and multi-stakeholder dialogue that gave equal voice to regulators, industry representatives, and workers.
The discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including the exchange of best practices on sustainable recycling, the role of technological innovations in improving safety, and the importance of capacity building to strengthen occupational health systems. Speakers emphasised that the ship recycling industry is at a crossroads where it must reconcile economic opportunities with its responsibilities toward the environment and workforce. The dialogue also underlined that international collaboration remains central to ensuring that this balance is achieved.
On August 22, the delegation travelled to Alang, the world’s largest ship recycling hub, to witness firsthand the operational and environmental transformation that has taken place in recent years. The delegation visited two ship recycling yards – Baijnath Melaram Recycling and Bansal Ship Breakers Pvt Ltd – where they were given detailed briefings on safety systems, compliance frameworks, and the integration of environmental safeguards that meet international standards such as the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR).
One of the most notable aspects of the visit was the emphasis on worker welfare. Delegates were shown a newly constructed labour housing colony at Bansal Ship Breakers, designed to provide migrant workers with safe, hygienic, and dignified living conditions. The housing complex, which is close to completion and expected to become operational within two months, was presented as a model for worker-centric practices in the industry. Delegates lauded the initiative, noting that it represents a tangible step forward in ensuring that workers benefit from the industry’s modernisation efforts.
The site visits were accompanied by an in-depth briefing from Rohith Agarwal, a ship recycling consultant, who outlined the progressive measures adopted in Alang. Agarwal explained how the industry has gradually transformed by embracing international conventions, adopting ISO standards for energy and asset management, and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into everyday operations. He emphasised that the industry is increasingly aligning itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), demonstrating that ship recycling can serve as a driver of both environmental protection and economic circularity.
“The ship recycling industry in India has entered a new era,” Agarwal remarked. “With stronger compliance, global recognition, and international collaborations like the Norway–India partnership, Alang is not only the largest recycling hub in the world but also a global benchmark for sustainability, safety, and circular economy practices.” His words encapsulated the optimism that surrounded the event, highlighting the view that Alang can serve as a lighthouse for other ship recycling hubs around the world.
Delegates observed notable improvements in safety practices, environmental performance, and worker welfare, pointing to these changes as evidence of the industry’s growing maturity. Many expressed their appreciation for the fact that such advancements are being driven not only by regulatory enforcement but also by a cultural shift within the industry toward accountability and long-term sustainability.
The workshop and site visits concluded on a note of optimism and determination. Delegates reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between India and Norway, supported by international organisations like the ILO, to sustain the momentum of reform. Both sides acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring uniform compliance across all yards, building long-term worker training systems, and addressing environmental risks associated with hazardous waste management.
However, what emerged most strongly from the two days of dialogue and field engagement was the sense that India’s ship recycling industry is on the cusp of becoming a global model. By embedding worker-centric policies, embracing sustainability frameworks, and fostering international trust, Alang is positioning itself not just as the largest recycling hub but as the most responsible one.
For Norway, whose maritime sector has long been recognised for its emphasis on safety and sustainability, the partnership with India represents a chance to extend its expertise to a global partner while learning from the unique challenges faced in Alang. For India, the collaboration is a critical validation of the reforms undertaken over the past decade and a signal to the international community that its recycling yards are open, transparent, and committed to progress.
As the delegates departed Bhavnagar, the consensus was clear: the Norway–India initiative had achieved more than just an exchange of technical knowledge. It had fostered trust, laid the groundwork for future cooperation, and reinforced the idea that ship recycling, when pursued responsibly, can be both an economic opportunity and an environmental solution.
The workshop is likely to be remembered as a milestone in the journey of Alang’s transformation, serving as a reminder that progress in industries as complex as ship recycling cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires the combined efforts of governments, industries, workers, and international organisations working hand in hand. With stronger cooperation and sustained commitment, the hope is that India’s ship recycling sector will continue to evolve into a global benchmark for compliance, sustainability, and humane labour practices – a goal that both India and Norway appear equally determined to pursue.
Author: shipping inbox
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