Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has announced key amendments to its Ship Recycling Regulations, 2015, aimed at optimizing land use and streamlining operational norms within the ship recycling industry. The amendments, approved by the Government of Gujarat, were officially published in the Gujarat Government Gazette on March 21, 2025.

The notification, referenced as GMB/Alang/1/2025/556/1284, outlines several changes to the existing regulations. These amendments are made under the powers conferred by various sections of the Gujarat Maritime Board Act, 1981.

Key Amendments Include:

• Plot Merging Rule Revised: The amended regulations state that after merging plots, the total width of the merged plot shall remain limited to 300 meters.

• Unused Plot Allocation: The GMB will now allow unused plots to be given to willing adjoining plot holders or existing ship recyclers on a yearly basis, under standard terms and conditions. This provision also extends to plots earmarked for SC/ST, ensuring that if they remain unused, they can be allocated in the same manner, while the GMB continues its efforts to allocate these reserved plots to eligible persons. Priority will be given to adjoining plot holders in such allocations.

• Minimum Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT) Requirements: Clause 9.3 and the fourth paragraph of Clause 9.4 in Chapter 9 have been replaced with updated clauses. The new regulations specify the minimum LDT that permission holders must break, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

  • The amended regulations include a table specifying minimum LDT requirements based on plot width, divided into two blocks of five years.

• Security Deposit for Recycling Charges: The first paragraph of Clause 9.4 has also been amended. Permission holders are now required to deposit a Bank Guarantee/Cheque/Demand Draft equivalent to the recycling charge (Rs. 135/- per LDT) of the minimum LDT at the beginning of each five-year block period. This deposit will be gradually adjusted as income to GMB upon the recycling of ships.

The amendments are expected to bring greater efficiency and utilization of resources within the ship recycling sector in Gujarat.

The notification was issued on behalf of the Gujarat Maritime Board by Rajkumar Beniwal, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.     DeshGujarat