India's Ship Certifier Cancels Certification for Over 200 Vessels Amid Sanctions
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), a leading ship safety certifier, has cancelled the certification of more than 200 vessels, primarily oil tankers, since 2023. This action is part of a broader effort to enforce compliance with international trade sanctions, particularly those imposed by Western nations on Russia and Iran. The Executive Chairman of IRClass, Arun Sharma, stated that the organization has adopted a comprehensive sanctions policy, refusing to certify ships that are subject to U.S., European, or UK sanctions. This move contrasts with China's recent directive to its firms to ignore U.S. sanctions on certain Chinese refiners. The declassification of these vessels, which amounts to approximately 13 million gross tons, is intended to prevent sanctioned ships from accessing insurance and port services, although it may inadvertently contribute to the growth of a 'shadow fleet' of non-compliant ships. 
