Shirdi Steel Traders: A ship recycling company with a legacy of excellence
In the year 1983 when the ship breaking industry was just starting in Alang, Mr Raj Bansal and Mr. Kapoor Bansal, with a powerful vision started their own ship recycling company in the same year at plot no. 40 in Alang. With time, a lot of dedication and attention to detail, the business grew to new hieghts. And in 1991 the company was named Shirdi Steel Traders.
The ship recycling industry in Alang, Gujarat, is one of the largest in the world, accounting for a significant portion of global ship dismantling. Established in the early 1980s, the yard spans approximately 10 kilometers along the Gulf of Khambhat, where its high tidal range and wide beach provide ideal conditions for grounding and dismantling large vessels. On average, Alang handles 250–300 ships annually, contributing to nearly 50% of the world’s ship recycling by tonnage. The yard processes vessels ranging from bulk carriers and oil tankers to cruise ships and decommissioned naval vessels, recovering materials like steel, aluminum, and copper for reuse.
Alang supports an ecosystem that generates employment for around 25,000–30,000 workers, many of whom are migrants from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. The industry recovers 1.5–2 million metric tons of steel annually, which meets nearly 10% of India’s steel requirements, making it a key player in the country's industrial supply chain. However, challenges persist, including concerns about worker safety, exposure to hazardous materials, and environmental pollution. Recent initiatives aim to align the yard with international standards such as the Hong Kong International Convention and ensure more sustainable practices. Despite these hurdles, Alang remains a global leader in ship recycling and a vital economic engine for the region.
With over 4 decades of expertise and experience, XXXX ships have been recycled with over YYYY tonnes of steel, machineries, non-ferrous materials and usables yielded.
The plot currently is at the highest standards with the certifications like
A world class Ship Recycling Yard
As the world and technology has evovled, so has the infrastructure of Shirdi Steel Traders. Today as a green ship yard with the highest standards, here are the plot specifications:
