The second edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Kutch and Saurashtra, set to be held in Rajkot in January 2026, will focus on Alang’s four decades of achievements and highlight Gujarat’s maritime prowess on a global platform.
Developed under the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard is now one of the world’s largest and most trusted ship recycling hubs, handling nearly 32 per cent of global ship recycling. The yard’s success is attributed to proactive state policies, transparent operations, strict safety measures, and a robust environmental framework. Since its inception, Alang has safely recycled over 8,800 ships.
Officials said approximately 99.95 per cent of the recovered material is reused, establishing Alang as a model for the circular and green economy. Both hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated during recycling is scientifically treated and disposed of in line with global standards.
Out of 128 plots, 115 are fully compliant with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), which came into effect globally in June 2025. This compliance positions Alang as one of the world’s most reliable and environmentally responsible ship recycling centres. The yard is supported by modern infrastructure, including a dedicated ship recycling training institute, a Level-3 multi-speciality trauma hospital for workers, and advanced waste management facilities.
Waste generated during recycling is treated at a TSDF site, currently being upgraded to meet future demand. To support growing global requirements, GMB has completed a master plan for Alang worth ₹1,224 crore, which is expected to nearly double the yard’s current capacity from 4.5 million LDT (Light Displacement Tonnage).
Despite global challenges, Alang maintained stable operations in 2024-25, recycling 113 ships. Early 2025-26 has already seen a 13 per cent increase in ship arrivals, signaling renewed momentum in the sector.
The Gujarat government has outlined a long-term roadmap to recycle 15,000 ships over the next decade and expand capacity from 4.5 million LDT to 9 million LDT by 2035. This plan also emphasizes improving healthcare facilities, worker amenities, maritime skill development, and adopting eco-friendly technologies.
The VGRC-Kutch and Saurashtra, scheduled for January 10–12, 2026, will showcase Alang not just as a ship recycling yard, but as a comprehensive maritime and industrial ecosystem. The conference will attract investors, industry leaders, and experts to explore opportunities in ship recycling and allied sectors.
Officials noted that Alang’s scale, reliability, and efficient processes continue to draw investors, offering substantial business volumes and consistent revenue streams. The near-complete utilization of recycled material has fostered downstream industries such as scrap processing, steel rolling, machinery refurbishment, trading, and logistics.
Industry analysts say Gujarat’s long-term maritime policies, modern infrastructure, and streamlined licensing processes provide investors with clarity and confidence. The state’s vision of developing Alang into a nine-million-LDT maritime cluster by 2035 offers a clear growth trajectory, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a global leader in sustainable ship recycling and maritime development.
