India and EU Move Closer on Sustainable Ship Recycling Cooperation

India and the European Union have taken another important step towards deeper cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, with three Indian ship recycling yards now completing the required compliance process for possible recognition under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation framework.

The development was discussed during a meeting between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall. Both sides reviewed the ongoing audit, inspection and approval process for Indian ship recycling facilities seeking inclusion under the EU regulatory system.

The talks come at a time when India has strengthened its position as the world’s leading ship recycling nation. According to UNCTAD estimates cited by the government, India’s share in global ship recycling rose from 30.1 percent in 2024 to 35.4 percent in 2025. In volume terms, India recycled 2.99 million gross tons of ships in 2025, compared with 1.86 million gross tons in 2024, marking nearly 60 percent growth.

More than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for recognition under the EU framework. Six yards are currently going through the compliance and approval process, while three facilities have completed all required procedures and are now ready to apply for inclusion under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation.

Sarbananda Sonowal said India has emerged as a global hub for safe, responsible and environmentally sustainable ship recycling under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Indian yards have invested significantly in infrastructure, operational practices and compliance systems to meet international standards.

The government has highlighted that Indian ship recycling facilities are supported by environmental and worker-safety systems such as effluent treatment plants, scientific waste management mechanisms, healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society and dedicated worker housing. Sonowal also said periodic and surprise inspections are conducted to maintain high standards in environmental protection, worker safety and operational transparency.

India has set an ambitious long-term target to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next decade. The government has also announced a financial commitment of USD 8 billion to strengthen the shipbuilding and ship recycling ecosystem. This investment is expected to support infrastructure upgrades, expand industrial capacity, generate employment and position India as a major contributor to the global circular economy.

From the EU side, Commissioner Jessika Roswall welcomed the progress made by Indian yards and proposed the creation of a Joint Working Group. This group would include representatives from India’s Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries and organisations to improve coordination and guide the next phase of cooperation.

Roswall also underlined the importance of unannounced inspections for ensuring transparency, accountability and continued compliance. She said the matter would be discussed with EU member states during the autumn session before any final decision is taken. She also expressed interest in visiting Indian ship recycling facilities after the consultation and assessment process is completed.

The EU’s approach is aligned with the broader India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions and the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. This gives the cooperation a wider strategic and regulatory context, linking maritime sustainability with trade, environmental standards and responsible industrial growth.

Recognition of compliant Indian ship recycling yards under the EU framework would be a major boost for India’s maritime sector. It would open the door for more European-flagged end-of-life ships to be recycled in approved Indian facilities, while also reinforcing India’s role in building safer and greener global ship recycling capacity.

The discussions reflect a growing India-EU partnership in sustainable maritime development. For India, the progress strengthens its claim as a responsible global leader in ship recycling. For the EU, cooperation with Indian yards can expand access to certified recycling capacity while supporting higher environmental and safety standards across the global shipping industry.