India secures government backing for ship recycling expansion

India’s ship recycling sector has received significant government backing, according to the latest market outlook report from Wirana Shipping.
The report notes that India aims to recycle 16,000 ships over the next decade, a figure that broadly matches BIMCO’s estimate for global recycling volumes over the same period. According to Wirana Shipping, the target demonstrates a firm resolve by the Indian government to boost domestic ship recycling, irrespective of the volume ultimately achieved by the country’s recycling facilities.

The report cites a USD 8 billion commitment from the Indian government to support growth across shipbuilding and ship recycling, together with plans to double the country’s recycling capacity.

India is also seeking EU listing for its ship recycling facilities, which would enable EU-flagged ships to be sent to the country for recycling. The report states that the issue is expected to be discussed with EU member states this autumn before any final decision is reached.

Hitesh Vyas, Vice President, Middle East and Green Recycling Coordinator at Wirana Shipping, said India’s ambition showed how quickly ship recycling was becoming a strategic issue for the shipping industry. He added that the industry needed to examine whether compliant capacity would be available before volumes increased.

Rakesh Khetan, Chief Executive Officer of Wirana Shipping, said steel scrap should not be underestimated. He noted that steel production is a major source of global emissions and that recycled steel can help reduce that footprint. As international markets place greater emphasis on carbon intensity, he said, countries that can recover and reuse steel responsibly will be better placed to keep their steel industries competitive.

jul 08 2026