India is stepping up its monitoring of shadow tankers that circumvent sanctions

Since 2023, the Indian Register of Shipping has delisted 235 vessels from its register, mainly oil tankers.

This was reported by Reuters, citing IRClass Executive Chairman Arun Sharma.

The Indian Register of Shipping is one of the world’s leading ship classification societies. Losing certification can make it difficult for a vessel to obtain insurance, as well as access to international ports.

According to Sharma, the register previously included individual vessels subject to Western sanctions. However, IRClass now applies a significantly stricter policy.

He stated that from 2023, the organisation will not accept vessels subject to US, European Union or UK sanctions into the register.

This refers, in particular, to sanctions imposed against russia due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as against Iran due to its nuclear programme and other activities.

IRClass’s tougher stance could deal a further blow to the so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport oil in circumvention of international restrictions.

Source: NV