India’s leading ship classification society, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), has removed 235 vessels from its registry since 2023 as part of a stricter sanctions compliance policy, according to Executive Chairman Arun Sharma.
The Mumbai-based organization, which certifies the safety and seaworthiness of ships, said the affected vessels were primarily oil tankers along with a small number of gas carriers. The move reflects a tougher approach toward vessels linked to international sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom on countries such as Russia and Iran.
Sharma stated that IRClass has adopted a comprehensive sanctions policy and no longer accepts ships associated with entities or owners subject to Western sanctions. Since 2023, the classification society has reportedly removed around 13 million gross tons of shipping capacity after vessel owners failed to satisfactorily explain their sanctions status.
Classification by organizations such as IRClass is essential for ships to obtain insurance coverage, demonstrate compliance with safety and environmental standards, and gain access to ports worldwide. The withdrawal of classification can therefore significantly restrict a vessel’s commercial operations.
The development highlights a divergence between India’s maritime regulatory approach and that of China. While China recently instructed domestic firms not to comply with certain U.S. sanctions targeting refiners purchasing Iranian oil, India has taken a more cautious position. New Delhi last month also declined a Russian proposal to supply liquefied natural gas that was subject to U.S. sanctions.
Industry observers note that the de-classification of sanctioned vessels may also contribute to the growth of the so-called “shadow fleet”—ships operating without recognized classification, insurance, or verified compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Such vessels have played a role in facilitating sanctioned oil trades and have raised concerns over potential oil spills and maritime accidents.
Sharma acknowledged that while IRClass screens vessel ownership and registry information, it cannot fully monitor future trading activities. A vessel that meets compliance requirements when registered may later transport sanctioned cargoes without the classification society’s knowledge.
The move underscores growing efforts by Indian maritime institutions to strengthen sanctions compliance and maintain international standards in global shipping.
