Monsoon season curtails activity across South Asian ship recycling hubs

• • Post-Eid activity recovers at slower pace

• • Recyclers await improved post-monsoon opportunities

The Indian subcontinent ship recycling market remained subdued during the week, with monsoon-related disruptions and the post-Eid slowdown limiting activity across major recycling hubs. While Bangladesh and Pakistan continued to show firm demand and stable market fundamentals, vessel availability remained scarce. In India, softer steel prices weighed on sentiment, keeping recyclers cautious ahead of the post-monsoon period.

Alang: Monsoon season and softer steel prices weigh on sentiment:

India’s ship recycling market remained subdued during the week despite a modest recovery in the rupee, supported by RBI measures aimed at attracting foreign investment and a softer US dollar. However, concerns over inflation, slower economic growth, and continued foreign fund outflows kept market sentiment cautious.

Domestic steel plate prices at Alang declined to around INR 38,500/t ($404/t) from INR 39,100/t ($412/t) earlier, reducing buying appetite among recyclers. While Alang continues to maintain a strong compliance base with over 110 HKC-compliant yards, the onset of the monsoon season has limited beaching activity and vessel arrivals.

Overall, sentiment remained cautious, with recyclers awaiting improved tonnage availability and stronger market fundamentals after the monsoon period.

Chattogram: Monsoon season slows activity despite firm demand:

Bangladesh’s ship recycling market remained firm during the week, supported by stable economic conditions, healthy foreign exchange reserves, and strong demand for tonnage. However, activity slowed after the Eid holidays as the monsoon season reduced beaching operations along the Chattogram coast.

Yards continued to show interest in acquiring vessels, backed by strong plot occupancy and improved financing availability, though weather-related disruptions limited fresh arrivals. Meanwhile, domestic steel plate prices eased to around BDT 65,000/t ($535/t) from BDT 66,700/t ($549/t) earlier.

Despite the seasonal slowdown, market sentiment remained positive, with Bangladesh continuing to be one of the most competitive ship recycling destinations in the region.

Gadani: Firm rupee, stable plate prices support sentiment:

Pakistan’s ship recycling market remained firm during the week, supported by a stronger rupee and stable domestic steel plate prices. The Pakistani rupee continued to strengthen, making it the best-performing currency in the Indian subcontinent this year.

Domestic steel plate prices held steady at around PKR 195,000/t ($700/t), keeping Gadani the highest-priced recycling destination in the region. Three HKC-certified yards remained operational, with additional certifications progressing.

However, market activity slowed following the Eid holidays and the onset of the seasonal monsoon period. Despite limited vessel availability and fewer transactions, overall sentiment remained positive, supported by currency stability, firm plate prices, and healthy demand for recyclable tonnage.