Alang on the west coast of India in Gujarat province is exploring the possibility of scrapping cars in addition to its market-leading position when it comes to dismantling ships.
At the behest of the Ship Recycling Industries Association – India, the government in New Delhi has asked the Gujarat Maritime Board and the Department of Ports and Transport of the state government to come out with necessary orders and standard operating procedures to explore the possibility of allowing the existing yards to double up as vehicle scrapping units.
Last week New Delhi decided to reduce customs duty on the import of vessels and other floating structures for breaking to 0% from 3% with immediate effect, something cash buyer Wirana described as an “important step” by the government to ensure that ship recyclers from India remain competitive with counterparts in Bangladesh and Pakistan.