Parliament passes The Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019

On 9 December 2019, Parliament passed the landmark ‘The Recycling of Ships Bill 2019’ for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships in India. Passing of this Bill will have far reaching effects in Indian Ship Recycling industry and is also a giant step and historical moment in Indian Maritime arena.

Key Features:  The Recycling of Ships Bill 2019

It joins together the existing Shipbreaking Code (revised),2013 and the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention, 2009. Thereby, now, ships to be recycled in India will need to obtain a ‘Ready for Recycling Certificate’ in accordance with Hong Kong Convention.

The protection of environment and safety of workers are soul of this bill. Once the Bill receives President’s assent and becomes an Act, it will ensure environment friendly recycling process of Ships and adequate safety of the yard workers.

The bill adequately address various environmental issues and workers’ safety concerns interconnected with the ships recycling Industry.

Key Benefits of bill:

It will herald significant increased number of global ships entering into Indian Shipyards for Recycling. The Recycling of Ships will in turn boost business & employment opportunities and strengthen India’s position in recycling industry.

It will raise brand value of India’s Ships Recycling Yards located at Alang (Gujarat), Mumbai Port, Kolkata Port & Azhikkal (Kerela).

10% of country’s Secondary steel needs, which is an outcome of Recycling of Ships, will be met in an eco-friendly manner.

Ships Recycling facilities will comply to International standards and Ships will be recycled only in such authorised facilities. Thus the tremendous growth of business activities will turn contribute to the country’s GDP.

Significance

India is a leader in global ship recycling industry with a share of more than 30% of the global market. With enactment of this bill, India will set global standards for safe and sound environmentally-friendly recycling of Ships, and will ensure adequate safety of yard workers. This this bill will also pave the way for more global ships to enter into Indian Shipyards for recycling and boost employment and business opportunities also.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019