New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, with both sides reviewing progress on the inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Wednesday.

The issue 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, where they assessed the ongoing audit and compliance process for Indian ship recycling yards seeking recognition under the EU regulatory framework.

Sonowal said more than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for recognition under the EU framework. Of these, six facilities are currently undergoing the compliance and approval process, while three have successfully completed all required compliance procedures and are now eligible to apply for inclusion under the EUSRR.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation and is steadily strengthening its position as a global hub for safe, environmentally sustainable and responsible ship recycling,” the minister said.

Citing the latest estimates from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Sonowal said India’s share in global ship recycling rose from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025. During 2025, the country recycled 2.99 million gross tons (GT) of ships, marking nearly 60 per cent growth over the 1.86 million GT recycled in 2024.

The minister said the government is facilitating the listing of Indian ship recycling yards through a transparent system of audits, inspections and regulatory compliance. He noted that Indian facilities have invested significantly in upgrading infrastructure and operational practices to meet international standards, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime development and responsible recycling.

According to Sonowal, Indian ship recycling facilities are backed by robust environmental infrastructure and worker welfare measures, including effluent treatment plants, scientific waste management systems, multi-speciality healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society and dedicated housing for workers. He added that the government conducts both periodic and surprise inspections to ensure strict compliance with environmental norms, worker safety standards and operational transparency.

–IANS

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