Indian Delegation deepens engagement with BIMCO on Sustainable Ship Recycling Framework during Singapore Maritime Week 2026

SINGAPORE: In a significant step towards strengthening global maritime cooperation, the Indian delegation engaged in high-level discussions with the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) on 21 April 2026, focusing on advancing environmentally responsible ship recycling practices and aligning with international regulatory frameworks.

The BIMCO delegation was led by Mr. David Loosley, Secretary General and CEO, along with Capt. Ashok Srinivasan, Regional Manager and Technical Advisor. During the meeting, BIMCO provided a comprehensive overview of its global role, representing a substantial share of the world’s shipping tonnage, and shared insights into evolving ship recycling trends. The organisation highlighted expectations of increased recycling activity over the coming decade, alongside the regulatory challenges and opportunities that accompany this growth.

The discussions placed strong emphasis on sustainable and environmentally sound ship recycling practices. The Indian side, led by Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, outlined India’s steady progress in upgrading ship recycling standards, particularly at Alang—one of the world’s largest ship recycling hubs. He underscored India’s commitment to complying with international conventions and its proactive engagement with global shipowners and domestic recycling yards to ensure best practices.

BIMCO acknowledged India’s notable strides towards compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, recognising the country’s efforts to enhance safety, environmental protection, and regulatory alignment within the sector.

Both sides underscored the importance of continued collaboration, particularly in areas of awareness-building, technical exchange, and transparent communication. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships that will support the transition towards a more sustainable and globally harmonised ship recycling ecosystem.

This engagement reflects India’s growing leadership in responsible ship recycling and its determination to align with international best practices, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global maritime landscape.