India's Ship Certifier Cancels Certification for Over 200 Vessels Amidst Sanctions
India's ship safety certifier, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), has intensified its stance on vessels involved in evading international trade sanctions. Since 2023, IRClass has de-classed 235 ships, primarily oil tankers and some gas carriers, from its registry. This move is part of a comprehensive sanctions policy that prohibits the certification of ships under U.S., European, or UK sanctions. The decision aligns with Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine and on Iran over its nuclear program. IRClass's actions contrast with China's recent directive for firms to ignore U.S. sanctions on Chinese refiners purchasing Iranian oil. The de-classification of these vessels complicates their ability to secure insurance and access ports, potentially adding to the 'shadow fleet' of ships that operate without known insurance or compliance with environmental safety standards. 
