VGGIS: Japan delegation lands at Alang ship-recycling yard to explore business

The visiting group also interacted with office-bearers of Ship Recycling Industries Association (India) or SRIAI, a body of ship recyclers in the country.

“The purpose of the visit was to study infrastructure and attendant facilities available at the yard. They are also looking at the environment conservation efforts. We are not aware of any proposal to ink any MoU between Japan and Gujarat government,” Jivraj Patel, president of SRIAI, told The Indian Express.

“The two plots that they visited are being upgraded with the help of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, known as Class NK or NK. The group would visit two more such plots on Tuesday. The delegates are studying infrastructure, safety and environmental norms at the yard,” Haresh Parnar, secretary of SRIA said.

SRIAI was to host a dinner for the delegates at Nilambag Palace, a heritage hotel in Bhavnagar, late on Monday. They would end their visit after holding a joint meeting with SRIAI, Gujarat Maritime Board and other stake-holders in the industry at Alang on Tuesday.

“Japan has a big ship-building industry but due to environmental concerns, it sends its decommissioned ships to China. Given the change in diplomatic environment, this visit by the Japanese delegation is important,” Parmar added.