Alang Shipyard Sees Surge in Ships for Recycling
In 2025, Gujarat’s Alang ship-breaking yard experienced a 21% increase in end-of-life ships arriving for recycling compared to the previous year. Market sources reported a significant rise in ship arrivals, signaling a notable trend in the industry.
The year 2025 witnessed a notable surge in the number of ships brought to Alang for recycling, with 122 ships arriving compared to 101 in 2024. These ships accounted for 1.22 million Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT), showcasing a substantial increase from the previous year’s 0.77 million LDT. Despite this growth, capacity utilization at Alang remains at only 25%, highlighting untapped potential in the ship-breaking industry.
Nayeem Noor, VP of Business Development at GMS, noted that the flourishing global freight market has led to fewer vessels being sent for recycling worldwide. This trend has impacted shipbreaking activities at Alang, with industry stakeholders facing challenges in attracting vessels for recycling due to high freight rates and economic uncertainties.
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Regarding India’s adherence to the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling, Noor emphasized India’s advantage with over 110 compliant recycling yards compared to Bangladesh’s 19 and Pakistan’s one. This compliance positions India as a preferred destination for shipowners and cash buyers seeking environmentally sound recycling facilities, offering long-term commercial benefits and regulatory readiness.
Overall, the Alang ship-breaking yard’s increased ship arrivals in 2025 reflect broader industry trends influenced by global market conditions and regulatory frameworks, shaping the future of ship recycling practices.
