The world’s largest ship recycling hub, Alang, hosted a landmark visit on 22nd August 2025 by a distinguished multi-stakeholder delegation from India and Norway. The visit was organized on the sidelines of the Norway–India Collaborative Workshop on Advancing Occupational Safety and Health in Ship Recycling: A Collaborative Approach to Shared Challenges and Solutions, a two-day dialogue that brought together experts from government, industry, academia, and labour organizations.
The delegation was led by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS, Chairman, National Shipping Board (NSB), and Mr. Fredrik Bjerke Abdelmaguid, Consul / Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Mumbai. Their presence reflected the growing importance of bilateral cooperation between India and Norway in strengthening maritime safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable ship recycling practices.
Joining them was Shri Gopikrishna C, Engineer & Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy DG (Tech), Directorate General of Shipping, alongside prominent voices from ship owners, sustainability experts, international researchers, worker representatives, and industry associations. The diversity of participants highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of ship recycling, where policy, technical expertise, worker welfare, and environmental compliance intersect.
India and Norway have steadily strengthened ties in the maritime sector. Norway’s leadership in sustainable shipping, green technologies, and occupational safety complements India’s role as the global leader in ship recycling capacity. With the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force in June 2025, India’s role becomes even more critical in setting global benchmarks.
The workshop and the yard visit created a platform for practical knowledge exchange – ensuring that academic research, international sustainability practices, and industry-level implementation in Alang move hand-in-hand.
The delegation toured selected yards in Alang, observing operational safety systems, environmental safeguards, and compliance measures in line with global standards. A major focus was placed on worker welfare initiatives, including improved housing facilities for migrant labourers, safer working environments, and enhanced occupational health measures.
Stakeholders from across sectors praised these initiatives, noting that Alang has made visible progress in moving towards responsible ship recycling practices. The delegation commended the industry’s steps toward aligning with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The visiting group received a detailed briefing from ship recycling industry expert, Mr. Rohith Agarwal, who highlighted the ongoing transformation of Alang. He emphasized that India’s ship recycling industry is increasingly recognized for compliance with international conventions, adoption of sustainable practices, and contribution to the global circular economy.
“The ship recycling industry in India has entered a new era. With stronger compliance, international recognition, and collaborations like the India–Norway partnership, Alang is not only the largest ship recycling hub in the world but also a global example of sustainability, safety, and circular economy practices,” said Mr. Agarwal.
The visit concluded with a strong message of collaboration and progress. Stakeholders acknowledged that the future of ship recycling lies in continued international partnerships, worker-centric development, and technology-driven sustainability.
The Norway–India Collaborative Workshop and Alang yard visit were recognized as a milestone in international cooperation, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in safe and environmentally responsible ship recycling.
Marex Media