A delegation of Japan’s Ship-owner’s Association met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and held discussions about the Japanese government’s proposed project to convert the Alang-Sosiya Ship-breaking yard into an international-level ship recycling yard.
The delegation comprised officials of leading Japanese shipping companies, including Kawasaki, Mitsui OSK, NYK line, Mitsubishi, Nippon, KG and JX Tanker.
Alang in Bhavnagar is Asia’s largest shipyard which recycles around 400 ships every year. Japan has 40% share of the world’s shipping industry and is mainly dependent on China for recycling of ships.
According to officials, Japan’s ministry of economics, trade and industry, has carried out a study for converting Alang-Sosiya ship-recycling yard into an international-level yard if it is made safer and eco-friendly as per guidelines of International Maritime Organisation convention. The Japanese government will spend $22.50 million (approximately Rs112 crore) for the project.
Officials said that the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) will prepare a detailed project report and send it to the Union government, which would forward it to the Japan government. Talking to the delegation, the CM mentioned the endless possibilities of creating world-class shipping industry along the 1,600-km long coastline of the state.
