Ship Recycling Yard Proposed For Coastal K’taka; Govt Noncommittal

The project will focus on the establishment of the ship breaking yard within the minor port areas of coastal Karnataka, such as Mangalore, Karwar, Honnavar, or Bekal

A proposal for the establishment of a ship breaking yard in coastal Karnataka minor port area has been submitted by S Mohanadas Hegde, member and former secretary, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee before Dr N Manjula, Secretary, Infrastructure Development, Karnataka.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Hegde said, “The objective of this project is to establish a modern, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable ship breaking yard in the minor port areas along the coast of Karnataka.”

The yard will contribute to the local economy by generating employment, promoting eco-friendly practices, and enhancing the region’s maritime infrastructure, he said.

The vision is to make coastal Karnataka a hub for environmentally sustainable and globally competitive ship recycling, creating significant economic benefits for the State while adhering to international environmental and safety standards.

Once implemented, it will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, promote sustainable ship recycling practices in compliance with international regulations and above all, it will foster the development of allied industries such as steel reprocessing, metal recycling, and environmental management. Moreover, it will enhance the region’s maritime infrastructure to support the ship recycling industry.

When contacted, an official from the Karnataka government said, “We have received a number of proposals from Hedge including this one. However, it is difficult to say anything further on this at the moment.”

The project will focus on the establishment of the ship breaking yard within the minor port areas of coastal Karnataka, such as Mangalore, Karwar, Honnavar, or Bekal.

These ports offer strategic proximity to shipping lanes and are well-suited for the development of ship breaking facilities due to their existing port infrastructure, land availability, and accessibility.

The ship breaking yard will adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Hong Kong international convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships and IMO (International Maritime Organization) standards. The facility will incorporate state-of-the-art systems for the management of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, heavy metals, and oil residues.

Measures to minimize environmental pollution, including water, air, and soil contamination, will be implemented.

Green ship recycling practices: The use of green technologies, recycling, and waste minimization strategies will be promoted, ensuring the yard's minimal environmental footprint.

The yard will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from skilled labour in ship breaking to administrative and managerial roles. Additionally, ancillary businesses such as logistics, transportation, waste management, and safety equipment services will benefit.

Revenue generation: The ship recycling industry will bring substantial revenue from the sale of scrap materials like steel, copper, and aluminium, as well as the sale of reusable components from ships.

Support for maritime and allied industries: The establishment of a ship breaking yard will promote the growth of steel industries, equipment manufacturing, and secondary industries related to ship dismantling, repair, and recycling.

The yard will require docking facilities, cranes, forklifts, storage for scrap materials, cutting equipment, and recycling facilities.

Transport and logistics: Enhanced road and rail connectivity for transportation of materials to and from the site, as well as modern storage facilities for processed scrap materials, will be critical. Safe working conditions, protective gear, and proper training facilities will be provided to ensure the well-being of laborers.

Environmental protection infrastructure: Systems for waste treatment, water purification, and air filtration will be integral to the site's design.

Environmental clearances: Obtain necessary environmental clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the State Pollution Control Board.

Maritime and Port Authority Approval: Approval from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) for the operation of the ship breaking yard.

Safety regulations: Compliance with the Factories Act, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and other labor laws to ensure the safety of workers.

The establishment of the ship breaking yard will require a substantial initial investment for infrastructure development, machinery, environmental protection, and compliance with international standards.

Financing options: The project could be financed through a mix of government subsidies, private investment, and potential partnerships with international recycling companies.

A PPP model could help to bring in technical expertise and funding while sharing the risks and rewards. Processed scrap metals will have significant demand from domestic steel mills, construction industries, and manufacturing sectors.

International market: The ship breaking yard could also cater to international markets for scrap materials, particularly for countries with large steel industries.

Continuous compliance: Regular audits by regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and labour laws.

Performance metrics: Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as environmental impact, production capacity, job creation, and revenue generation will be tracked.