The world’s largest ship recycling industry is located in Alang, a coastal town in the state of Gujarat, India. Alang is home to the world’s largest ship-breaking yard, where a significant number of ships from around the world are dismantled and recycled. The ship recycling industry in Alang has grown rapidly over the years due to various factors such as cost-effectiveness, availability of a large coastline, and a large labor force.
The ship-breaking yards in Alang adhere to environmental and safety standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other regulatory bodies. However, in the past, there have been concerns regarding worker safety, environmental pollution, and the handling of hazardous materials. Efforts have been made to improve safety measures and environmental practices in recent years.
Alang’s ship recycling industry has contributed significantly to the local economy, providing employment opportunities for thousands of people and generating revenue from the sale of recovered materials. The yards in Alang recycle a wide range of vessels, including oil tankers, cargo ships, and offshore structures.
It’s worth noting that other countries, such as Bangladesh, China, and Turkey, also have significant ship recycling industries, but Alang in India remains the largest in terms of capacity and number of ships recycled.