{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "India Eyes Recycling 16,000 Ships in a Decade With a USD 8 Billion Push as EU Recognition Draws Nearer",
  "summary": "Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India will recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next decade and pledged USD 8 billion to boost shipbuilding and ship recycling, even as talks to win EU recognition for Indian yards gathered pace.",
  "content": "India is preparing to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next ten years, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday. Alongside that target, the government has committed USD 8 billion to strengthen both shipbuilding and ship recycling. The announcement came just as India and the European Union were discussing how to secure wider recognition for Indian ship recycling yards.\n\nBoth sides reaffirmed their cooperation on sustainable ship recycling. India and the European Union said they were confident about progress on bringing Indian facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). The talks formed part of a broader push to lift safety and environmental standards in the business of dismantling ships at the end of their life.\n\nSonowal meets Roswall\nAccording to an official statement, Sonowal met Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. The two reviewed the audits and compliance checks for Indian yards seeking recognition under the EU framework. That process has involved inspections and documentation to satisfy the regulation's requirements.\n\nRoswall welcomed the progress and proposed setting up a Joint Working Group (JWG). The group would bring in the Ministry of Environment along with other ministries and organisations. The idea is to build closer coordination during the next stage of assessments. Roswall also stressed that unannounced inspections were important for compliance, transparency and accountability.\n\nJobs and the circular economy\nSonowal said that having more internationally recognised Indian facilities would support the global circular economy. He tied recognition to cleaner recycling practices, more jobs and stronger maritime sustainability. The statement noted that the discussions reflected a growing strategic partnership between India and the EU on sustainable maritime practices.\n\nRoswall said the matter would be taken up with EU member states in the autumn session, and that any final decision would come only after that stage. She also said she was willing to visit Indian ship recycling facilities, a trip that would follow the completion of consultations and assessments.\n\nRising global share\nEstimates from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) show that India's share of global ship recycling has grown. It rose from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025. India recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) in 2025, up from 1.86 million GT in 2024.\n\nSonowal said the government was helping list Indian yards through audits and inspections, and that the process was transparent and grounded in regulatory compliance. He added that Indian facilities had invested in better infrastructure and operations to meet international standards.\n\nEnvironment and worker welfare\nSonowal said Indian ship recycling facilities had environmental systems and worker welfare measures in place. He pointed to effluent treatment plants and scientific waste management systems. He also mentioned multi-speciality healthcare facilities run with the support of the Red Cross Society, and noted that dedicated worker housing was available too.\n\nHe said the government conducted periodic inspections as well as unannounced checks, aimed at maintaining environmental compliance and worker safety. The official statement said EU recognition could improve global recycling capacity, adding that it could support safer end-of-life ship management and more resilient maritime supply chains.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: The USD 8 billion push and the plan to recycle 16,000 ships could open up fresh jobs and business opportunities in shipbuilding and recycling.\n• In coastal states: Workers at ship recycling yards stand to benefit directly from better healthcare, housing and stronger safety standards.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. How many ships does India plan to recycle over the next decade?\nIndia plans to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next ten years.\n\n2. How much money has the government committed to this sector?\nThe government committed USD 8 billion to strengthen shipbuilding and ship recycling.\n\n3. Who made the announcement?\nUnion minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared the details on Wednesday.\n\n4. Who did India talk to about EU recognition?\nSonowal met Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.\n\n5. What is India's share of global ship recycling?\nAccording to UNCTAD estimates, India's share rose from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025.\n\n6. How many ships did India recycle in 2025?\nIndia recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) in 2025, up from 1.86 million GT in 2024.\n\n7. When will the EU make a final decision?\nRoswall said the matter would be discussed with EU member states in the autumn session, and any final decision would come only after that stage.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/business/agale-dasa-sala-men-16-000-jahajon-ko-torega-india-8-araba-dolara-ke-plana-ka-ailana-3876",
  "category": "Business",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-01",
  "tags": [
    "ship recycling",
    "Sarbananda Sonowal",
    "European Union",
    "shipbuilding",
    "EUSRR",
    "maritime industry",
    "Jessika Roswall"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}