Maritime groups call for the removal of Indian ship recycling yards from the EU's approved list due to safety and environmental concerns.
Request to Remove Ship Recycling Facilities in India from EU List
International maritime organizations have called for the removal of certain ship recycling facilities in India from the European Union's list of approved facilities. Criticisms regarding environmental and occupational safety standards related to these facilities have resurfaced.
While some Indian facilities operating in the ship recycling sector continue to be included in the EU's 'List of Approved Ship Recycling Facilities,' this situation has drawn the ire of international maritime organizations.
Shipowner organizations and industry representatives have requested a reassessment, claiming that some Indian facilities on the EU list do not meet adequate standards in terms of environmental management, hazardous materials control, and worker safety.
The Debate Centers on Environmental and Occupational Safety
The ship dismantling sector plays a significant role in reintegrating old vessels into the economy, while the management of asbestos, oil residues, heavy metals, and other hazardous materials during dismantling operations remains critical issues.
Critics particularly highlight the dismantling activities conducted using the beaching method, waste management, and the risks faced by workers.
India as a Global Dismantling Hub
India stands out as one of the largest ship dismantling centers in the world, alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and Turkey. The Alang region in the state of Gujarat is among the areas with the highest concentration of global ship recycling activities.
However, the EU's ship recycling regulations only permit the dismantling of European-flagged vessels at facilities that meet specific environmental and safety criteria.
Competition Balance is Also Under Discussion
Industry representatives emphasize that facilities on the EU list need to be closely monitored, while also noting that decisions could impact the competitive balance in the global ship recycling market.
On the other hand, representatives from the sector in India argue that facilities are making investments to comply with international standards and are working to meet EU criteria.
These ongoing discussions in the ship recycling sector indicate that there may be new changes to the EU's list of approved facilities in the upcoming period.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
