Ship recycling in India has reached an important moment. The European Union is now assessing Indian yards for inclusion in the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. For Alang, one of the world's largest recycling centres, this is a significant step. It reflects years of investment in infrastructure, worker safety and environmental management. It also shows the industry's growing commitment to international standards.
Priya Blue welcomes this progress. “This is an encouraging development and a step in the right direction for responsible ship recycling in India,” said Priya Blue Industries.
In this article, we explain what the European List is and how a yard outside the EU can qualify. We also set out what the assessment means for Alang and for Priya Blue.
What Is the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities?
The European List of Ship Recycling Facilities is the official list of yards approved to recycle EU-flagged ships. The European Commission draws it up and maintains it under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013.
The rule itself is simple. Ships that fly the flag of an EU member state, and that the Regulation covers, may only be recycled at a facility on the List. As a result, a place on the List gives a yard access to EU-flagged vessels.
How a Yard Outside the EU Can Qualify
Yards outside the European Union can apply directly to the European Commission. The Commission then assesses each applicant in six areas:
- Worker health and safety
- Environmental protection
- Management of hazardous materials
- Waste management
- Emergency preparedness
- Ship recycling procedures
For a yard outside the EU, inclusion therefore depends on a formal regulatory assessment. An application alone is not enough.
Why the European List Matters for India
India’s progress toward meeting the European Union (EU) ship recycling standards is an important development for the country’s maritime industry.
Alang, Gujarat is one of the largest ship recycling centers in the world. The industry has made great strides in infrastructure, environmental protection, worker safety and responsible ship recycling practices through the years.
Greater alignment with international standards can further strengthen India’s position in the global ship recycling market and build confidence among international ship owners.
Today, when choosing a ship recycling facility, shipowners look beyond price. They are increasingly looking at safety standards, environmental practices and hazardous waste management and compliance with international regulations. Continued progress by India in these areas can help position the country as a preferred destination for safe and sustainable ship recycling.
Priya Blue and the European Assessment Process
Priya Blue has applied for inclusion to the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. It also went through the Commission’s assessment process, including the most recent on-site assessment in October 2024.
For Priya Blue, the application is part of a wider commitment to responsible and sustainable ship recycling. The company has been a pioneer in improving ship recycling standards in India, from providing dedicated labor accommodation since inception to becoming the first ship recycling facility in India to achieve Hong Kong Convention (HKC) compliance certification in 2015, a decade before the Convention’s entry into force in June 2025.
The company intends to keep raising the benchmark through international processes. To achieve this goal, it has invested in:
- Infrastructure at its facilities
- Environmental management
- Hazardous material handling
- Worker health and safety
- Operational controls
However, the goal is not a single regulation or certificate. Standards for the industry keep changing around the world. Responsible recyclers must therefore keep meeting higher expectations from regulators, shipowners and other stakeholders.
Priya Blue's View of Responsible Ship Recycling
Responsible ship recycling is more than taking a ship apart and recovering its steel. Instead, it means controlling the whole process. That includes hazardous waste, worker safety and environmental protection. It also covers waste handling and downstream disposal.
Priya Blue's facilities are independently certified and assessed against international standards. In addition, the Group continues to invest in infrastructure and working practices. The aim is better safety, stronger environmental performance and greater transparency. Learn more about our approach to green ship recycling.
For Priya Blue, responsible recycling is a process of continuous improvement. It is never a finished task.
A Positive Sign for Alang
“We consider the growing acceptance of the Indian ship recycling facilities as part of the international framework as a positive development for Alang and Indian ship recycling industry at large,” said Priya Blue.
This is a chance to show how far the industry has come. It also shows how responsible Indian yards can recycle end-of-life vessels safely and with care for the environment.
Furthermore, the shift supports the circular economy. Through responsible recycling, large amounts of steel and other materials from retired ships go back into productive use. We explore this further in The Second Life of Steel.
Conclusion: What Comes Next for Ship Recycling in India
The European List of Ship Recycling Facilities opens a new chapter for India. Priya Blue is encouraged by the progress Indian yards are making.
The way forward is clear: continuous improvement, responsible recycling and wider international recognition of India's capacity for safe and sustainable ship recycling.
Looking for a responsible ship recycling partner in India? Contact Priya Blue to know more about our ship recycling facilities in Alang, Gujarat and our commitment toward ship recycling that is safe, sustainable and internationally compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities?
It is the European Commission's list of approved ship recycling yards. EU-flagged ships covered by the EU Ship Recycling Regulation may only be recycled at facilities on this List.
What is the EU Ship Recycling Regulation?
It is Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013. It sets rules for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. It also creates the European List of approved facilities.
What is the Hong Kong Convention?
The Hong Kong Convention is an International Maritime Organization treaty for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. It entered into force on 26 June 2025. For a side-by-side comparison, read EUSRR vs the Hong Kong Convention.
Is Priya Blue part of the European assessment process?
Yes. Priya Blue Industries Private Limited has applied for inclusion in the European List and has undergone the Commission's assessment process, including an on-site assessment in October 2024.
Why does the European List matter for India?
Progress on the European List can strengthen international recognition of responsible ship recycling in India. It can also drive further gains in safety, environmental management and recycling infrastructure.