RightShip announced a revised timeline for implementing its vessel inspection age trigger, reducing the inspection threshold from 14 to 10 years through a four-phased approach. This update reflects 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.

The initial announcement of the inspection age trigger in October 2024 garnered valuable feedback from stakeholders.  Constructive dialogue with RightShip’s customers and respected industry associations - including INTERCARGO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the Union of Greek Shipowners whose membership represents a substantial portion of the global dry bulk and general cargo fleet - has been instrumental in refining the approach to align with operational realities while reinforcing our shared commitment to safety.

Steen Lund, CEO of RightShip, was encouraged by the collaborative spirit leading to the updated rollout: “Industry stakeholders have through this dialogue concluded a shared understanding that co-operation is essential for safety. 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.”

Key Highlights of the Revised Rollout Plan

In response to industry concerns - including the need for more time to negotiate budgets with vessel owners, adjust office staffing to manage inspections, significant efforts for vessel preparation and crew training, challenges of aligning inspections for 10-year-old vessels with the Second Special Survey Dry Dock, and capacity to handle inspection volumes - RightShip has introduced the following updates:

· Extended Timeline with Four Phases: The rollout has been expanded to a four-phase implementation, giving vessel owners and operators more time to adjust budgets, train crew, and plan for inspections. All vessels now have at least 12 months' notice from the initial announcement before Safety Score impacts take effect. This phased approach also allows RightShip to accredit additional inspectors.

· Alignment with Dry Dock: For Phase 4, 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.

To ensure a smooth transition, RightShip has also introduced:

· Flexibility in Scheduling: A three-month window between inspection requirements in vets and Safety Score applicability aims to stagger inspection volumes and reduce operational pressures. [See Annex for details on implementation window]

· Increased Inspector Capacity: RightShip aims to achieve a 90% increase in accredited inspectors by October 2025 to meet demand while maintaining inspection quality.

· Early Inspection Incentive: Vessels built after 1 October 2011 that complete inspections between January and June 2025 are eligible for a $1,000 inspection fee credit, encouraging early participation and reducing peak inspection volumes.

RightShip will require vessels of less than 8,000 DWT to undergo similar inspection making the safety standard more consistent across the global Dry Bulk and General Cargo fleet.

Christopher Saunders, Chief Maritime Officer at RightShip, noted: “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.”

Continued Commitment to Collaboration and Safety

RightShip remains dedicated to supporting the maritime industry during this transition. Through active engagement and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, the organisation strives to enhance safety while maintaining operational feasibility for vessel owners, operators, and crew members.

Steen Lund added, “Safety is a collective journey. This phased rollout is a step forward in working toward zero harm in maritime operations while ensuring a realistic transition period for our stakeholders. We look forward to continuing our dialogue and working with the industry to improving and advocating for higher safety standards.”

For more information on the updated rollout plan and what that means for the maritime stakeholders, visit Revised RightShip Inspection Age Trigger: What It Means for Owners, Managers, and Charterers.

Annex:

Implementation Window

The following timeline outlines the implementation window for vessels entering the new age requirements. The start date of the window signals the point at which a vessel will require a valid RightShip Inspection to pass a RightShip vetting nomination. The end date of the window signals the point at which the vessel will require a valid RightShip Inspection to maintain a Safety Score greater than or equal to 3/5.

Source： RightShip