Since 1983, the Alang Shipyard has been receiving and breaking down all types of maritime vessels, from cargo ships to cruise liners. At some point, during the years since then (no one is exactly sure when) a market sprang into being to make the most out of the amazing pieces of these ships being disassembled on a daily basis. The Alang hipyard is a resting place for more than 200 ships each year, creating a never-ending conveyor belt of salvage, ready to be hauled over and sold on to take on a second lease of life.
The Alang Shipyard Market is now home to dozens of second-hand shops lining the six-mile stretch of market stalls. The tables are stacked with goods and the range of items is impossible to imagine; there are doors and tea sets from luxury yachts, ice cream machines from cruise liners, lifebuoys, furniture, and mattresses. Shoppers can pick up a spare lightbulb, television, espresso machine, dartboard, or map of the world if they need it. The joy of walking around this market is that you never quite know what you need, until you see it.
To see the Alang Shipyard Market in operation is quite a wonder to behold. When a ship arrives at the dock, workers are all over it like ants. Every piece is taken apart, and there is hardly a piece that can not be re-used for something. Metal is recycled, some furniture sold off in bulk, and eventually, the market storekeepers are called up to take a look at the pickings that are left. The potential vendors bid at a silent auction for the goods they want to display in their stores, and of course, the highest bidder wins.
Due in large part to the origin of the goods, The Alang Shipyard Market is one of a kind in the world. Anyone with an eye for salvage should try to visit at least once in a lifetime, as wonders like this really do need to be seen to be believed!
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