MELBOURNE-based RightShip has responded to considerable blow-back against its October-announced new vessel inspection age triggers by issuing a revised implementation timeline and other refinements.
In that original initiative RightShip (DCN 11 October) said it would implement a two-phase approach to require inspections of vessels at an earlier age with Phase One beginning on 31 March 2025 when the trigger inspection for those vessel types will change from 14 years to 12 years, after which an annual acceptable RightShip Inspection will be required.
In Phase Two, in 2026, the age threshold would be further reduced, requiring inspections for vessels aged 10 years or older. Additionally, RightShip will require vessels with less than 8,000 DWT to undergo similar inspection making the safety standard more consistent across the global dry bulk and general cargo fleet.
However, the initiative was attacked by industry bodies (DCN 17 October) which decried a lack of prior consultation and called for a re-think.
Following “valuable feedback” RightShip has now announced a revised timeline for 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 company said.
“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, said he 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.
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 an 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.
RightShip is jointly-owned by BHP, Rio Tinto and Cargill.
