Alang ship breaking activity shrinks almost 50% in Q4 of FY17

Loses out to Pakistan, Bangladesh's price competitiveness

Rising competition from Pakistan and Bangladesh has led to ship breaking activity at Alang in Gujarat declining by almost 50 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2016-17.

Only 64 ships have been delivered for breaking during January-March as against 120 ships in the corresponding period of 2016.

According to ship breakers, both the neighbouring countries are offering higher prices for ships because they depend on recycled steel.

About 40 per cent of their requirement comes from recycled steel while in India’s use of recycled steel is just three per cent. India is offering $370-380 per tonne while Pakistan and