India: Alang gears up for green ship recycling as HKC takes effect

• India eyes leadership in green ship recycling
• Over 100 Alang yards already HKC compliant

From 26 June 2025, global ship recycling changes as the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) takes effect, aiming to ensure safer, greener ship dismantling. Adopted in 2009, it took 16 years to enforce due to complex global interests. India’s Alang ship-breaking hub, long criticised for poor conditions, is now central to this transition, investing heavily to meet new environmental standards.

Alang leads transition

According to industry reports, 112 out of Alang’s 131 operational recycling yards have already secured HKC Statements of Compliance (SoC) from globally recognised classification societies. The rest are in advanced stages of upgrading facilities and practices to meet HKC norms.

According to a market participant, “Alang is well positioned for this transition. It has built a strong base for safe, efficient, and internationally compliant recycling.”

Based on its capacity, the Alang ship-breaking hub is considered the largest such operation in the world. BigMint data shows the industry handled 1.83 million light displacement tonnes (LDT) in CY’24, though this was a significant drop from 2.26 million LDT in CY’23.

The total number of vessels dismantled fell sharply as well, with just 268 ships recycled in CY’24 – a 19% decrease from 330 ships the year before.

In Q1CY’25, Alang received a total of 709,768 LDT of tonnage, with 67 ships recycled during the period.

Global recognition for Alang’s green efforts

While adhering to HKC standards is now compulsory, many recyclers in Alang have chosen to exceed the basic requirements, implementing stricter safety and environmental measures. For them, the convention’s enforcement marks a moment of validation, finally bringing global recognition to yards that have long operated to higher standards. Industry voices note that this shift gives India a significant edge in the global ship recycling market.

The nuts and bolts of the HKC

The HKC lays out several critical measures to make ship recycling safer and more sustainable. Key provisions include:

• Mandatory Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for all ships
• Strict operational standards for recycling facilities
• A cradle-to-grave approach that considers a ship’s entire lifecycle
• Systems for certification, compliance monitoring, and inspections

Shipowners are required to maintain the IHM and submit it before recycling. Ships flying the flag of a treaty-signatory country can only be dismantled at authorised recycling yards that comply with HKC standards.

Outlook

As the HKC comes into force, Alang is well-positioned to secure its place in the global green ship recycling ecosystem. India’s proactive efforts have laid a strong foundation for leadership in sustainable maritime practices. The focus ahead will be on addressing financing gaps, enhancing certification systems, and ensuring ship recycling contributes meaningfully as a climate solution.