<p data-path-to-node="2"><b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="0">LONDON</b> — In a landmark regulatory shift, the European Commission has officially launched a proposal to EU member states aimed at adding two leading Indian ship recycling facilities to the European List of approved ship recycling yards. If finalized, this will mark the first time that Indian recycling facilities have been formally recognized under the stringent EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR).</p><p data-path-to-node="3">International maritime shipping bodies, including BIMCO and European shipowner associations, have strongly welcomed the move. Stakeholders emphasize that the proposal rewards the heavy capital expenditures and infrastructure upgrades made by Indian recycling yards—such as those in Alang—over the past decade to elevate worker safety and environmental protection standards.</p><p data-path-to-node="4">Industry data indicates that over 110 Indian recycling yards currently hold a Hong Kong Convention (HKC) Statement of Compliance issued by members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). While the proposal must still navigate final scrutiny through the EU approval process involving member states and the European Parliament, maritime analysts view the initiative as a crucial step toward harmonizing regional EU regulations with global international conventions.</p>