Norwegian Delegation Explores Sustainable Ship Recycling and Circular Economy at Alang
ALANG (Gujarat): A high-level Norwegian delegation recently visited Alang, the world’s largest ship recycling hub, to examine India’s shipbreaking operations, environmental standards, and downstream resource recovery ecosystem.
The delegation, led by the Consulate General, included Line Ollestad from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (Norges Rederiforbund) and Beate Kværnes Langset from the Norwegian Environment Agency. The visit aimed to gain first-hand insights into the industry’s operations and foster dialogue with key stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
During the tour, the officials visited several prominent recycling facilities, including Bansal Group – Green Ship Recycling, Alang Auto and General Engineering Company Pvt. Ltd., Cutech Alloys Private Limited, Shree Ram Group, and YSI Recyclers LLP. Interacting directly with yard owners and industry representatives, the delegation reviewed current dismantling processes and recent sectoral upgrades. Discussions centered on implementing responsible recycling practices, strengthening environmental management, and upholding occupational health and safety standards to ensure the sector’s long-term viability.
Moving beyond the primary beaching and dismantling yards, the delegation also explored Alang’s extensive network of downstream businesses and local workshops. These enterprises form the backbone of the region’s circular economy—sorting, processing, and repurposing recovered metals, machinery, and equipment from decommissioned vessels for resale and reuse. The tour underscored how a vessel’s utility extends well past its operational lifespan, driving local enterprise and resource efficiency.
The visit provided a crucial platform for Indo-Norwegian exchange on the challenges and opportunities within global ship recycling. By engaging with both primary recyclers and secondary market operators, the delegation highlighted that achieving a truly sustainable maritime industry requires strengthening the entire value chain—from safe dismantling to material recovery and reuse.
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