RightShip delays dry bulk inspection changes after industry pushbackRightShip delays dry bulk inspection changes after industry pushback

RightShip has revised its timeline to drop the age of increased inspections for dry bulk vessels from 14 to 10 years, introducing the change in four stages instead of two.

The ESG-focused inspection platform said the changes reflect “extensive industry engagement and underscores RightShip’s commitment to a collaborative approach that balances the needs of working toward enhanced safety with practical considerations for the maritime community.”

Announcing its initial two-phase reduction in the inspection trigger age in October, RightShip said its approach was “driven by clear evidence of risks with ageing vessels and is informed by extensive industry dialogue over the last 12 months”.

The plans soon encountered resistance however, with dry bulk association Intercargo claiming “This decision was made without prior consultation with the owners and managers of bulk carriers, the very stakeholders who will be impacted by such changes.”

After “constructive dialogue” with stakeholders including Intercargo, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the Union of Greek Shipowners, RightShip arrived at a new timeline with further amendments to its plan.

The age reduction will now begin at 13 years in October 2024, falling to 12 years in April 2026, 11 years in July 2026, and 10 years in January 2027. These dates mark the time by which a vessel will require a valid RightShip inspection to maintain a safety score of 3/5 or above. Three months window ahead of those dates marks the point a vessel will require a valid RightShip Inspection to pass a RightShip vetting nomination.

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The original timeline was for a limit of 12 years from March 2025, and 10 years from March 2026.

The extended timelines gives owners and operators “more time to adjust budgets, train crew, and plan for inspections,” said RightShip. The adjustment gives all vessels at least 12 months' notice from the announcement before their safety scores are impacted by the changes. 

In the final phase, inspections for vessels aged 10 years will now align with the Second Special Survey Dry Dock, with a three-month buffer post-completion before inspection requirements take effect, said RightShip.

To encourage early participation in the new system, vessels built after 1 October 2011 will earn a $1,000 inspection fee credit for inspections completed between January and June 2025.

RightShip has also committed to a 90% increase in accredited inspectors by October 2025 to meet the rising demand for inspections.

In a press release RightShip CEO Steen Lund said it “was encouraged by the collaborative spirit leading to the updated rollout”.

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“Industry stakeholders have through this dialogue concluded a shared understanding that co-operation is essential for safety,” said Lund. ”While the decision to lower the inspection age from 14 to 10 years remains unchanged, we have carefully considered stakeholder feedback and adjusted the rollout timeline. The revised approach is designed to strike an optimal balance: advancing the industry toward safer operations while giving vessel owners, operators, and crew the necessary time to adapt effectively.”

The reduction from 14 to 10 years is driven by the high ratio of serious incidents in the dry bulk sector, its higher fatality ratio and higher port state control detention rate. RightShip’s data analysis showed a strong correlation between vessel age and rising safety risks, with a notable rise for vessels between 10 and 13 years old.