European Commission Proposes Inclusion of Indian Ship Recycling Facilities in EU Approved List
The European Commission has proposed adding two Indian ship recycling facilities to the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities, marking a significant development for the global sustainable ship recycling industry and strengthening opportunities for compliant recycling yards outside Europe. If formally approved, the decision would represent the first inclusion of Indian facilities in the EU’s authorized ship recycling framework after years of applications, inspections, and facility improvements.
The proposed inclusion is expected to enhance global ship recycling capacity while supporting environmentally responsible vessel dismantling practices. Under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation, vessels operating under EU flags must be recycled only at facilities listed on the approved European roster. The framework requires compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, along with additional EU environmental and worker safety requirements.
One of the facilities proposed for inclusion is operated by Shree Ram Recycling in Alang, India, a region recognized as one of the world’s largest ship recycling hubs. The Alang shipbreaking cluster plays a major role in global vessel recycling, particularly for large ocean-going ships requiring safe dismantling and recovery of valuable materials.
European shipowners welcomed the European Commission’s proposal, describing it as a positive step toward expanding access to internationally compliant ship recycling facilities. The Secretary-General of European Shipowners, Sotiris Raptis, highlighted that the proposed recognition reflects significant investments made by Indian yards to meet strict European safety and environmental standards.
Indian ship recycling facilities have been seeking approval under the EU framework since 2016. Although dozens of applications have been submitted, none had previously received final approval despite multiple inspections and modernization efforts, particularly at facilities located in Alang. More than 110 Indian ship recycling yards currently hold statements of compliance with the Hong Kong Convention issued by members of the International Association of Classification Societies.
The potential approval of Indian facilities comes at a time when the maritime industry is focusing heavily on green shipping, circular economy practices, and environmentally responsible ship disposal. Major ship recycling countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Türkiye, provide a significant share of global recycling capacity, making their participation essential for meeting future demand for sustainable vessel dismantling.
The Hong Kong Convention, which entered into force in June 2025, established international standards for controlling hazardous materials, improving worker safety, and ensuring environmentally sound ship recycling operations. However, the EU Ship Recycling Regulation maintains stricter requirements in several areas, including enhanced safeguards against hazardous waste leakage and stronger environmental monitoring.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that the European approved list requires greater capacity and more geographically diverse facilities capable of handling large commercial vessels. The inclusion of Indian yards could address part of this challenge by providing EU-flagged shipowners with additional recycling options in South Asia.
The final approval of the two Indian facilities would represent a major milestone for the ship recycling sector, demonstrating that qualified facilities outside OECD countries can achieve recognition through compliance with international maritime safety and environmental standards. It may also encourage further improvements among ship recycling yards across Asia seeking inclusion in the European system.
The European Commission’s decision is now awaiting finalization and formal endorsement. Once adopted, it would mark the beginning of a new phase in global ship recycling cooperation, supporting safer dismantling practices, maritime sustainability, and the transition toward a more circular shipping industry.
Read: IMO’s SENSREC Project Launches Three-Part Video Series Highlighting Women’s Role in Ship Recycling
