National Tripartite Workshop on Improving Occupational Safety and Health in the Ship Recycling Industry in India


Deconstruction of ships at the end of their seafaring life is an overlooked but essential part of the economy of the world and India. Between 2008 and 2017, about 12 million tonnes of ship volume were recycled in India, mostly in Alang, Gujarat. India’s ship recycling industry generates nearly 25,000 direct employment. Downstream industries might generate more than 100,000 jobs for women and men.

The workshop was attended by 33 representatives from the Government of India and the social partners, including from the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the Ship Recycling Industries Association of India (SRIA) and the Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling General Workers’ Union (ASSRGWA).

The participants jointly developed, discussed and adopted a comprehensive set of conclusions. These summarize the achievements to date as well as future challenges and opportunities for making the industry safer and more sustainable. They also contain recommendation for future action by the government, employers and their associations, workers and their organisations, and the ILO.

As noted in the conclusions, if the challenges related to decent work and the environmental sustainability of the ship recycling sector can be addressed and the opportunities seized, the industry can make an important contribution to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).