Alang-Sosiya Poised as Global Benchmark in Green Ship Recycling Ahead of VGRC 2026

Developed under the guidance of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Alang will be showcased as one of the world’s largest and most trusted ship-recycling hubs, marking its four-decade-long journey in the global maritime sector. Today, Alang accounts for nearly 32 per cent of global ship recycling, underscoring Gujarat’s growing prominence in international maritime and circular economy initiatives.

Since its inception, more than 8,800 ships have been recycled at Alang through systematic and environmentally responsible processes. An estimated 99.95 per cent of materials recovered from vessels are reused, reinforcing the yard’s role as a key pillar of the green economy. All hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated during recycling is handled through scientifically approved disposal systems.

Of the 128 operational plots at Alang, 115 are compliant with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which entered into force in June 2025. This compliance has earned Alang recognition as one of the world’s leading green ship recycling centres.

The facility is supported by robust infrastructure, including a dedicated training institute, a Level-3 multi-speciality trauma hospital for workers, and modern waste management systems. The Gujarat government has also rolled out a comprehensive master plan for Alang, backed by an investment of ₹1,224 crore, aimed at doubling its recycling capacity from the current 4.5 million light displacement tonnage (LDT).

Despite global economic headwinds, Alang recycled 113 ships during 2024–25 and recorded a 13 per cent increase in ship arrivals in the early months of 2025–26, indicating renewed momentum in the sector. Building on this trend, the Government of Gujarat has outlined an ambitious vision to recycle 15,000 ships over the next decade and expand capacity to 9 million LDT by 2035.

At VGRC 2026, Alang will be presented not merely as a ship recycling yard but as a comprehensive maritime industrial cluster, offering opportunities across steel production, scrap processing, machinery refurbishment, logistics and allied industries. With investor-friendly policies, modern port infrastructure and a clear long-term growth roadmap, Gujarat aims to position Alang as a cornerstone of global sustainable ship recycling and a model for environmentally responsible maritime development.