DGS reviews one year of Hong Kong Convention Implementation at Alang, reinforces India’s leadership in sustainable ship recycling
ALANG : Marking one year since the entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) on 26 June 2026, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) undertook a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Convention at Alang, the world’s largest ship recycling cluster.
The high-level delegation was led by Shri Killi Mohana Rao, Chief Surveyor (I/c), Directorate General of Shipping, accompanied by Shri Satish Kamath, Principal Officer (I/c), Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Kandla, along with senior officers of the Directorate. The visit underscored the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring safe, environmentally sound and globally compliant ship recycling practices in line with international standards.
As part of the visit, the delegation held detailed discussions with the Ship Recycling Industries Association (SRIA) to review the progress made since the Convention came into force and to deliberate on measures for further strengthening compliance, capacity building and sustainable growth of the sector.
The delegation also visited Star Recycling Yard Pvt. Ltd. and Priya Blue Ship Recycling Yard Pvt. Ltd., where they observed HKC-compliant ship recycling operations firsthand. Interactions with industry representatives focused on the adoption of best practices in occupational safety, hazardous material management, environmental protection and worker welfare, highlighting the industry’s continued efforts to align with globally accepted standards.
In collaboration with officers of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the delegation inspected several critical support facilities that contribute to the holistic development of the ship recycling ecosystem. These included the Alang Workers’ Training Centre, which imparts essential skill development and safety training to workers; the workers’ residential colony established by GMB; the Indian Red Cross Society Hospital, which provides free healthcare services to ship recycling workers and surrounding communities; and the Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF), which plays a vital role in the safe handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste generated during ship recycling activities.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the integrated framework that supports safe ship recycling, encompassing environmental safeguards, occupational health and safety, infrastructure development and social welfare measures.
India today has more than 100 Hong Kong Convention-compliant ship recycling facilities, the highest in the world, reinforcing its position as a global leader in responsible and sustainable ship recycling. The country’s proactive approach towards implementing the Convention reflects its commitment to promoting a circular economy, protecting the marine environment, ensuring worker safety and advancing sustainable maritime development.
The Directorate General of Shipping reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of the Hong Kong Convention through close collaboration with industry stakeholders, regulatory authorities and state agencies. The Directorate will continue to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, promote capacity building and encourage continuous improvement in environmental performance, occupational safety and social responsibility across India’s ship recycling sector.
The visit also highlighted India’s growing role in setting global benchmarks for environmentally sound ship recycling and reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to building a safe, sustainable and internationally competitive maritime ecosystem.
