IRClass stops certifying Russian tankers; RS certification rises amid sanctions

IRClass, the Indian classification society, has halted issuing safety certificates to Russian oil tankers that fall under Western sanctions, a move reported by Reuters. This shift leaves a growing fleet of tankers seeking new oversight as international pressure reshapes who can verify vessel seaworthiness. The Russian Maritime Register has stepped in to certify these ships, and the agency notes that IRClass, once a leading global validator of ship safety, had continued to service the Russian tanker fleet after major insurers and engine makers curtailed support due to sanctions. The landscape changed in February when the US Treasury added 14 IRClass-certified tankers to its sanctions list. Those ships no longer appear on IRClass’s website, with two exceptions named NS Consul and NS Creation. From April onward, the remaining 12 tankers have been certified by RS instead of IRClass. It is also noted that in March 2022 RS was expelled from the International Association of Classification Societies, a move that reshaped its standing in the maritime community. Today, most of these vessels—some of which have undergone name changes—are either anchored or drifting at Russian ports in Asia and the Black Sea, according to shipping-tracking data. The loss of IRClass certification marks another setback for Russia’s oil logistics as Western sanctions continue to influence routes, insurance, and port calls. It has come to light that India published a permit for marine insurance to Russian companies toward the end of April, a step that could affect risk and coverage for these vessels. These developments come as IMF assessments have highlighted the economy’s resilience in the face of sanctions, underscoring the broader geopolitical and commercial shifts impacting maritime energy flows.