GMS Weekly Podcast | Week 48 Ship Recycling Market Update: Stumped, Yet Primed

In this Week 48 edition of the GMS Weekly Podcast, hosts Ingrid and Henning review another eventful period in the global ship recycling market as the industry navigates uneven fundamentals and prepares for the final month of the year.

Market conditions across South Asia remained under pressure. Steel plate prices declined in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and China. The US dollar weakened in all major recycling destinations except Turkey. Freight markets continued their positive momentum, with the Baltic Dry Index rising by 3.2% to its highest level since December 2023. Oil prices stayed soft and ended the week near 59 dollars per ton, almost 14% lower than a year ago. Supply of recycling candidates remains limited as owners continue trading their vessels on strong freight earnings.

Global supply tightness contributed to a mixed pricing environment. Smaller lightweight units are often trading below 400 dollars per lightweight ton, while cleaner and larger vessels can still command higher levels in select locations.

Bangladesh stayed at the top of the pricing charts. Indicative levels were about 410 dollars per lightweight ton for bulkers, 430 dollars for tankers and 440 dollars for container vessels. Domestic fundamentals, however, weakened again. Local steel plate prices fell by 11 dollars to about 506 dollars per ton. The Taka improved slightly and closed at 122.08. Political tensions remain in the background ahead of the February 2026 elections. Chattogram recorded five new arrivals this week, including LPG units, a bulker and a chemical tanker, totaling 22,459 lightweight tons. Bangladesh now has 21 approved HKC yards, with one more close to completion.

India experienced another quiet week. Most tonnage continues to struggle to reach 400 dollars per lightweight ton, keeping Alang behind Bangladesh and Pakistan for preferred vessels. Steel plate prices slipped to about 390 dollars per ton, and the Rupee ended the week around 89.35. Indicative pricing remained about 380 dollars per lightweight ton for bulkers, 400 dollars for tankers and 410 dollars for container ships. Although India reported GDP growth of 8.2 percent, the recycling market continues to face pressure from higher import costs, weaker domestic sentiment and stronger competition from HKC-compliant yards elsewhere.

Pakistan recorded the most important development of the week. Prime Green Recyclers in Gadani received HKC approval from Bureau Veritas, the first yard in Pakistan to qualify. Additional yards are undergoing upgrades and are expected to follow in the next few months. Steel plate prices in Pakistan declined by 7 dollars to about 579 dollars per ton. The Rupee firmed slightly to around 282. Indicative pricing stood at 400 dollars per lightweight ton for bulkers, 420 dollars for tankers and 430 dollars for container units. Gadani did not receive any new vessels this week.

Turkey remained stable. Prices held around 260 dollars per lightweight ton for bulkers, 270 dollars for tankers and 280 dollars for container vessels. The Turkish Lira weakened further and moved past 42.50 against the US dollar. Inflation remains elevated, although the economy continues to show growth. Recycling activity in Aliaga stayed limited.

Across the subcontinent, the market continues to operate with restricted supply, weaker fundamentals and shifting currency conditions. HKC progress in Bangladesh and Pakistan is improving the competitive landscape and setting the stage for stronger compliance and sustainability in the year ahead.

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