Bill Paves Way for Global Ship Recycling in India

Although ship recycling contributes $1.3 billion to India's gross domestic product, developed countries do not send their ships to India citing lack of regulation to prevent environmental damage and proper disposal of hazardous materials, Money Control reports.

A new bill, which includes provisions of the International Maritime Organization’s Hong Kong Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, paves the way for global ships to enter Indian shipyards for recycling.

According to the bill, the owner of every new ship needs to make an application to the National Authority to obtain a certificate on the inventory of prohibited hazardous materials. The bill also requires ship recyclers to maintain adequate measures for emergency preparedness and response, safety, health, training and welfare of workers. In addition, owners must provide insurance coverage for regular and temporary workers.

Money Control has more:

Ship recycling industry contributes $1.3 billion to India's GDP. In terms of global share, India recycles 30 percent of the 1000 ships recycled. However, developed countries would not send their ships to India citing lack of regulation to prevent environmental damage and proper disposal of hazardous materials.

The Bill includes the provisions of IMO's Hong Kong Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, in line with global best practices in ship recycling. This will ensure developed countries send their ships to India for recycling. According to the government, Norway and Japan have already shown interest in sending their ships to India upon passing of the Bill.

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