A delegation of Indian and Norwegian officials visited Bhavnagar to strengthen cooperation in ship recycling, focusing on safety, sustainability, and compliance. The visit was part of a collaborative workshop organized by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The workshop, held on August 21-22, aimed to advance occupational safety and health in ship recycling through global best practices, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative solutions.
The delegation included high-ranking officials from India and Norway, such as Sameer Kumar Khare, Chairman of the National Shipping Board, and Fredrik Bjerke Abdelmaguid, Consul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Consulate General. The workshop covered a range of topics, including sustainable recycling, technological innovations, and capacity building for occupational safety and health.
On the second day of the workshop, the delegation visited ship recycling yards in Alang, where they observed operational safety systems, compliance frameworks, and environmental safeguards. They also inspected a newly constructed labor housing colony, which is expected to provide safe and dignified accommodation for migrant workers. The delegation praised the efforts as a progressive model for worker-centric practices in the industry.
The visit highlighted the transformation of the ship recycling industry in India, with a focus on compliance with international conventions, integration of ISO standards, and adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The industry has entered a new era, with stronger compliance, global recognition, and international collaborations like the Norway-India partnership.
The delegation’s visit concluded with appreciation for the visible improvements in Alang, including enhanced safety practices, environmental performance, and worker welfare measures. The members emphasized the importance of continued India-Norway cooperation, supported by institutions like the ILO, to drive sustainable progress in the sector. The workshop and yard visits were recognized as a milestone in fostering international trust and collaboration, reinforcing India’s ambition to make its ship recycling industry a model of compliance, worker-centric policies, and sustainability on the world stage.
The visit demonstrated the commitment of both India and Norway to advancing occupational safety and health in ship recycling, and the importance of international cooperation in driving sustainable progress in the sector. With the ship recycling industry in India entering a new era, the collaboration between India and Norway is expected to play a significant role in shaping the industry’s future.