#report

India's ship certifier takes tougher stance on sanctioned tankers

India's ship safety certifier IRClass has de-classed 235 ships since 2023, mainly oil tankers and gas carriers, as part of a tougher stance on vessels involved in evading international trade sanctions. Executive Chairman Arun Sharma stated the registry now has "a very comprehensive" sanctions policy, refusing any ships subject to U.S., European, or UK sanctions. The move signals India's different approach compared to China, which recently ordered firms not to comply with U.S. sanctions on Chinese refiners purchasing Iranian oil.