New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at strengthening safety, environmental compliance and global best practices in India’s ship recycling industry, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has notified the Ship Recycling Regulations, 2026. This may impact the current ship recycling activities in Alang Sosiya shipbreaking yard in Gujarat.

The new rules have been framed under Section 43 of the Ship Recycling Act, 2019, with prior approval of the Central Government, and are aligned with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009.

Wide Applicability Across Indian Waters

The Ship Recycling Regulations, 2026 apply to:

• All ship recycling facilities operating in India or under India’s exclusive territorial jurisdiction

• Existing Indian-registered ships, irrespective of their location

• New ships required to be registered in India

• Foreign ships entering Indian ports, shipyards, offshore terminals or coastal waters for recycling

• Government-owned ships, including warships and naval auxiliaries, when designated for recycling in India

The regulations cover activities in territorial waters, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and other maritime zones where India exercises pollution control jurisdiction.

Clear Definitions and Institutional Framework

The notification lays down detailed definitions for key terms such as:

• Hazardous materials

• Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT)

• Safe-for-entry and safe-for-hot-work conditions

• Competent Authority

• State Maritime Boards

• Port Authorities

• Recognised Organisations and Surveyors

It clearly identifies the roles of regulatory bodies including the National Authority, State Maritime Boards, Port Authorities, Pollution Control Boards, PESO, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and Industrial Safety and Health Directorates.

Mandatory Authorisation for Ship Recycling Facilities

Under the new regulations:

• Every ship recycling facility must be designed, constructed and operated in a safe and environmentally sound manner as prescribed in the First Schedule

• Facilities must hold a valid Authorisation Certificate issued in Form 3, valid for five years

• No facility can operate without approval under the Ship Recycling Rules, 2021

Facilities are required to put in place management systems that prevent risks to workers, nearby communities and the environment.

Ship Recycling Facility Management Plan Made Compulsory

Each recycling facility must prepare and submit a Ship Recycling Facility Management Plan (SRFMP) for approval by the Competent Authority. The plan must include:

• Occupational safety and environmental protection policy

• Roles and responsibilities of employers and workers

• Training and skill development programmes

• Emergency preparedness and response mechanisms

• Systems for monitoring, reporting and record-keeping

• Procedures for accident, incident and disease reporting

• Compliance with national laws, ILO guidelines and IMO standards

The Competent Authority must complete assessment and verification within 30 days, provided no deficiencies remain.

Strict Safety and Training Requirements

To enhance worker protection, the regulations mandate:

• Certified training programmes for all workers, including contractual staff

• Initial and refresher training at intervals not exceeding three years

• Annual review and documentation of training programmes

• Medical examinations at least once every two years, and annually for workers aged 45 and above

• Immediate medical treatment and compensation in case of workplace accidents

Only competent persons are permitted to authorise hazardous operations such as hot work and confined space entry.

Inspection, Audit and Enforcement Mechanism

The Competent Authority or recognised organisations will:

• Conduct on-site inspections and audits of ship recycling facilities

• Provide inspection reports within seven days

• Deny authorisation if repeated non-compliance is observed

• Require corrective action before fresh applications are considered

Facilities must be given at least seven days’ prior notice before inspections.

Recycling-Ready Certificate Mandatory for Ships

Ship owners intending to recycle vessels must apply to the National Authority for a Ready for Recycling Certificate, along with prescribed fees. Based on inspection:

• Form 1 certificate is issued for international recycling

• Form 2 certificate is issued for domestic recycling

Details of authorised recycling yards and certificate validity must be provided in advance.

Controlled Entry of Ships for Recycling

Before a vessel is brought from anchorage to a recycling facility:

• Written permission must be obtained from the Competent Authority

• Port authorities or State Maritime Boards must issue final entry or beaching permissions

• Customs clearance and documentary verification are mandatory

Indian-registered ships recycled abroad must be dismantled only at facilities authorised under applicable international regulations.

Hazardous Material Handling and Waste Disposal

The regulations impose strict controls on:

• Removal, labelling and segregation of hazardous materials

• Compliance with hazardous waste, air pollution and water pollution laws

• Membership of authorised Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs)

• Transportation of hazardous waste only through licensed carriers

All hazardous substances must be handled in a manner that poses no risk to human health or the environment.

Emergency Powers in Case of Oil Spills

In the event of oil leakage or marine pollution:

• The Competent Authority can issue immediate notices

• Ship recyclers must prevent discharge into intertidal zones or the sea

• Failure to comply attracts prosecution under Section 32 of the Act

Mandatory Completion Reporting

Upon completion of partial or full recycling:

• Ship recyclers must submit a Statement of Completion in Form 9 within 14 days

• The report must include details of accidents, incidents and environmental damage, if any

Partial recycling has been clearly defined, ensuring traceability if remaining ship sections are transferred elsewhere.

Strengthening India’s Global Position

With these regulations, the government aims to:

• Improve workplace safety standards

• Reduce environmental damage

• Ensure transparency and accountability

• Align India’s ship recycling sector with international norms

India is one of the world’s leading ship recycling destinations, particularly in Gujarat’s Alang-Sosiya yard. The Ship Recycling Regulations, 2026 are expected to further enhance India’s credibility, sustainability credentials and global competitiveness in the maritime recycling industry.