Gujarat releases Ship Recycling Policy 2015

The Gujarat government announced the Ship Recycling Policy, 2015 on January 19, 2016. The policy has been framed by the state government and the Gujarat Maritime Board keeping in mind environmental and eco-friendly measures that will give the right direction and impetus to the industry. The policy aims to revive the ship recycling industry at Alang. The government has rationalised most of the charges payable by plot holders and allowed them the flexibility to resize, realign and readjust the plot sizes as per requirement and size of vessel. Earlier, ship-breakers did not have the permission to dismantle vessels in plots of particular sizes. As per the new policy, the permission for the plot will be given for a long-term lease of 10 years, instead of five years as in the past. The ship-breaking policy was last revised in 2004. The new policy will be subject to review after three years.