Amidst the fears of Global Economic Turmoil, the ship breaking yard in India at Alang in Bhavnagar District in Gujarat state is all set to demolish 400+ vessels, in financial year 2011-12.
New vessels ordered in year 2006-2007-2008 are all set for deliveries by 2012, adding Global Shipping capacities by 25%, whereas on the flipside, freight-rate reductions and the global economic slowdown will result in a large number of ships to be destined for India’s ship breakers. According to Bloomberg |UTV, they anticipate more than 180 million gross tons of the global shipping fleet, mainly comprised of vessels older than 20 years, will be made available for demolition.
Regulatory issues in Bangladesh and a high cost of breaking ships in China makes Alang a favorite destination for ship breaking. Significant economic factors play into this as well considering India’s current ban on iron-ore mining, and an infrastructure that is particularly suited for the consumption of scrap steel.
The depreciating Indian Rupee is becoming a factor however, as it is now becoming more and more cost-prohibitive to purchase vessels for demolition, in particular, non-Indian ships.
India’s Coast Guard has dismantled an international oil-smuggling network off the country’s west coast, targeting vessels accused of conducting illicit mid-sea transfers as global pressure mounts on shadow-fleet operations tied to sanctioned oil trades.
A newly announced trade agreement between the United States and India could significantly reshape global crude oil flows and tanker demand, potentially cutting Russian seaborne oil exports by as much...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced a trade deal with India that slashes U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% in exchange for India halting Russian oil purchases and lowering trade barriers.
February 2, 2026
Total Views: 1276
Get The Industry’s Go-To News
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
— just like 107,230 professionals
Secure Your Spot
on the gCaptain Crew
Stay informed with the latest maritime and offshore news, delivered daily straight to your inbox
— trusted by our 107,230 members
Your Gateway to the Maritime World!
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.