Gandhinagar, Dec 23 (NationPress) The upcoming second edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Kutch and Saurashtra region is set to take place in Rajkot next month, emphasizing Gujarat’s maritime prowess on a global platform.

Under the auspices of the Gujarat Maritime Board, the Alang–Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard has established itself as a leading player in the world of ship recycling, accounting for nearly 32 percent of the global recycling output.

With a foundation built on progressive state policies, transparent governance, rigorous safety protocols, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Alang has become a noteworthy representation of Gujarat’s maritime evolution.

To date, over 8,800 vessels have been meticulously recycled at Alang, boasting a remarkable 99.95 percent material reuse rate, setting a standard for green economic practices.

All waste types, whether hazardous or non-hazardous, are treated using scientifically validated disposal methods. Among the 128 plots in Alang, 115 comply fully with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), and with the HKC set to take effect globally in June 2025, Alang is recognized as the most trustworthy green ship recycling facility worldwide.

This ship recycling yard is outfitted with amenities such as a training institute, a Level 3 multispecialty hospital for trauma care, and advanced waste management systems.

The waste generated during the recycling process is managed at the TSDF site, which is currently being upgraded.

To accommodate future recycling demands, the Gujarat Maritime Board has successfully completed the master planning of Alang with an investment of Rs. 1,224 crores. This initiative will soon double the existing capacity of the 4.5 million LDT ship recycling yard.

Despite global challenges, Alang recorded stable operations during the 2024–25 period, successfully recycling 113 ships. A 13 percent increase in ship arrivals at the onset of 2025–26 indicates a resurgence in the sector.

In 2025, the Government of Gujarat outlined an ambitious plan for Alang, aiming to recycle 15,000 ships over the next decade, with a strategy to enhance Alang’s capacity from 4.5 million LDT to 9 million LDT.

Preparatory efforts are also underway to bolster healthcare services, worker facilities, maritime skills training, and environmentally sustainable technologies.

During the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference – Kutch and Saurashtra, taking place in Rajkot from January 10 to 12, 2026, Alang will be showcased not just as a recycling yard but as an exemplary model of the state’s maritime strength, green technologies, and a straightforward, investor-friendly business landscape.

The conference aims to connect investors and experts with Gujarat’s maritime capabilities while highlighting emerging opportunities in the ship recycling industry.