Index Reflecting Overall Impact of Shipbreaking

Chakrabartty SN

Published on: 2025-09-19

Abstract

Ship recycling (SR) with significant socio-economic benefits contributes to circular economy. However, SR generates toxic substances which end up in coastal water and landfills, increasing environmental risks. The paper combines relevant indicators in various units to get unit less index reflecting overall impact of ship-breaking in the t-th year from the base year and enables assessment of progress across time, identification of critical indicators requiring corrective managerial action. The index can be expressed as   . Increasing trend of  and decreasing trend of  are signs of improved SR process. The indices may be computed separately for national, regional, industry and firm/operation levels. Assessment and monitoring of indicators will help India’s efforts to promote green SR, integrating SR with ship building, and emerging as a global leader in SR and pushing country’s endeavors to low-carbon, resource-efficient economy through sustainable recycling practices.