More ship-breaking in Gujarat
The landmark “Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019”, is a giant step and historical moment in the Indian Maritime arena and will have far reaching effects in Indian Ship Recycling industry, already rated as a global leader, commanding 30% share of the global industry.
The bill, passed on 9 Dec 2019, will pave the way for more global ships to enter into Indian Shipyards for recycling and boost employment and business opportunities, Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya told parliament.
With the enactment of this bill, India will set global standards for safe and sound environmentally friendly recycling of Ships, he said.
It will also ensure adequate safety of the yard workers.
The existing Shipbreaking Code (revised),2013 and the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention, 2009 are dovetailed in this Bill. The Bill, upon becoming Act, will ensure environment friendly recycling process of Ships and adequate safety of the yard workers. O
The bill adequately addresses various environmental issues and workers’ safety concerns interconnected with the ships recycling Industry.
Now, ships to be recycled in India will need to obtain a ‘Ready for Recycling Certificate’ in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention.
Hoping for increased business, a large number of Recycling plots, especially at Alang in Gujarat, are also gearing up and obtaining Statement of Compliance (SOC) with the Hong Kong Convention.
The Key Benefits of the bill are as follows:
The bill will harbinger significant increased number of global ships entering into Indian Shipyards for Recycling;
Recycling of Ships will boost business & employment opportunities and strengthen India’s position in the recycling industry;
It will raise the brand value of our Ships Recycling Yards located at Alang in Gujarat, Mumbai Port, Kolkata Port & Azhikkal in Kerela;
10% of country’s Secondary steel needs, as an outcome of Recycling of Ships, will be met in an eco-friendly manner;
Ships Recycling facilities will become compliant to International standards and Ships will be recycled only in such authorised facilities.
The Minister underlined tremendous growth of business activities contributing to the Indian economy. fiinews.com
