Maritime safety platform RightShip has announced a revision to its vessel inspection age trigger, cutting its 14-year threshold to ten years through a four-phase approach.
In October 2024, RightShip unveiled a two-stage approach to require earlier vessel inspections, addressing changing market conditions and ongoing safety risks in the dry bulk and general cargo sectors.
The move was intended to support enhanced safety standards of the ageing global fleet across the shipping industry.
However, industry associations including the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) and the Union of Greek Shipowners expressed concerns the decision was made without prior consultation.
Following discussions with customers and key industry groups including Intercargo, RightShip has refined its approach to better align with operational realities, it said.
The revised plan addresses industry concerns, offering vessel owners and operators more time to prepare for the new inspection regime.
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By GlobalDataRightShip Chief Maritime Officer Christopher Saunders said: “Our updated approach directly addresses some of the key stakeholder concerns, balancing inspection workloads and providing flexibility while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
“We’ve also committed to enhanced transparency in our processes to offer greater clarity through industry dialogue going forward. Our goal is to continue to support vessel owners, operators, and crews in adapting smoothly, without compromising the quality required to uphold maritime safety.”
The extended timeline now includes four phases, allowing for a smoother adjustment to budgeting, crew training, and inspection planning.
Vessels will have at least a one-year notice before any impact on their Safety Score.
Additionally, the final phase will synchronise inspections for ten-year-old vessels with the Second Special Survey Dry Dock, plus a three-month buffer post-completion.
To facilitate the transition, RightShip has introduced measures to offer flexibility in scheduling and is working towards a 90% increase in accredited inspectors by October 2025.
An early inspection incentive is also in place, offering a $1,000 fee credit for vessels built after 1 October 2011 that complete inspections between January and June 2025, aiming to encourage early participation and manage peak inspection volumes.
Furthermore, the inspection requirements also extend to vessels of less than 8,000dwt to ensure consistent safety standards across the global dry bulk and general cargo fleet.
