Suez Canal Introduces Mandatory Inspections for Aging Ships
The Suez Canal Authority has implemented mandatory technical inspections and testing for ships that are 25 years old or older, according to a report by industry publication Splash247. The rules, which have already taken effect, could complicate Russian oil shipments to Asia, as a significant share of Russia’s “shadow fleet” is comprised of aging tankers.
The new requirements apply to all types of vessels regardless of flag, cargo, or sanctions status. Under the regulations, ships older than 25 years must undergo a comprehensive technical inspection and testing before receiving permission to transit the canal. Ships making another transit within six months will not need a new inspection provided that no defects or other technical problems have been identified in the meantime.
Russian Oil Tankers Continue Using the Suez Canal
After Western sanctions were imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil companies redirected a large share of exports from European ports to Asia, particularly to India and China. The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean and Red seas, became one of the main routes for these shipments.
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in the first half of 2025 Russia was the largest source of oil and condensate transported through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Russian oil shipments along the route continued even after attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels prompted many international carriers to avoid the Red Sea.
Sanctioned Tankers Involved in Incidents
Sanctioned tankers have already been involved in incidents in the Suez Canal. In October 2025, the tanker Komander — which was carrying Russian oil — lost power and ran aground, temporarily disrupting vessel traffic. Notably, the ship was built in 2004, meaning that even under the new rules it would not be affected by the 25-year age threshold.
Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” Consists Largely of Aging Vessels
Russia’s “shadow fleet” consists largely of aging vessels acquired to bypass Western sanctions on the transport of Russian oil. These tankers frequently change owners, names, and flags, and their technical condition and insurance coverage have raised concerns among maritime regulators.
The Insider counted at least 39 vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet” that are more than 25 years old. Another 130 tankers older than 25 years sail under the Russian flag. According to an April 2026 estimate by the KSE Institute, 92% of shadow-fleet tankers carrying Russian oil were more than 15 years old.
Global Merchant Fleet Continues to Age
The additional inspections could increase the cost of transporting Russian oil and cause delays in canal transit. Ships with technical problems are likely to be particularly vulnerable because they may need repairs before receiving clearance to pass through.
The rules come as the global merchant fleet continues to age. According to Clarksons Research data cited by Splash247, the combined gross tonnage of ships 25 years and older has exceeded 150 million gross tons, up 75% over the past five years. Tonnage for ships older than 30 years has reached a record 68 million gross tons.
Original Article: Egypt tightens Suez Canal transit rules for aging ships, affecting Russia’s “shadow fleet” — Theins