India’s Ship Certifier Takes Tougher Stance on Sanctioned Tankers
India‘s ship safety certifier, Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), is taking a more stringent approach to vessels involved in evading international trade sanctions. Since 2023, IRClass has de-classed over 235 ships from its registry, primarily oil tankers and gas carriers, according to Executive Chairman Arun Sharma.
The move signals India‘s shift towards aligning with Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and Iran over its nuclear program and other activities. This stance contrasts with China’s decision to not comply with U.S. sanctions on five Chinese refiners over purchases of Iranian oil. India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, has also declined Russia’s offer to sell it liquefied natural gas subject to U.S. sanctions.
IRClass’ Sanctions Policy
IRClass had previously certified ships involved in sanctioned activities, but Sharma emphasized that the organization now has a “very comprehensive” sanctions policy. The registry has released around 13 million gross tons of tonnage from its list, which were previously sanctioned vessels that could not satisfactorily explain why they were subject to sanctions.
However, de-classing ships also risks adding to the so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels with no known insurance or compliance with environmental safety standards. Hundreds of such ships have helped Iran and Russia circumvent sanctions, posing a threat of oil spills and fuel leaks in busy sea lanes.
Limitations on Cargo Control
Sharma acknowledged that while IRClass would not certify ships owned by Iranian or Russian entities, there are limitations to what the registry can determine about the cargo carried. “Today, we may take in a ship which is as per the registry, non-Russian, non-Iranian, and tomorrow (the vessel) carries oil from Iran to somewhere… we don’t have any control on that,” Sharma said.
Reporting by Jonathan Saul; Editing by Susan Fenton
Original Article: India’s ship certifier takes tougher stance on sanctioned tankers — Dataportuaria