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Alang's Ship Recycling Industry Faces Decline Amid Rising Costs

12/16/2025

47 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Alang, Gujarat, is facing a decline in its ship recycling industry that once processed nearly 98% of India's ship dismantling.
In 2024, 124 ships were decommissioned, down from 166 in 2023.
Shipowners delayed retirements due to high freight rates.
Alang's shift to a compliant facility has raised costs, hurting the local economy as businesses and workers leave.
The higher costs also make it harder to compete with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

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Story summary

Alang, Gujarat, is facing a decline in its ship recycling industry that once processed nearly 98% of India's ship dismantling.
In 2024, 124 ships were decommissioned, down from 166 in 2023.
Shipowners delayed retirements due to high freight rates.
Alang's shift to a compliant facility has raised costs, hurting the local economy as businesses and workers leave.
The higher costs also make it harder to compete with Bangladesh and Pakistan.