Enhanced Indian scrutiny raises barriers for sanctioned vessels seeking recycling
(Posted on 11/03/26)
India’s decision to introduce additional documentation checks before end-of-life vessels are cleared could prevent the practice of fake documents among the ‘dark fleet’, says leading vessel cash buyer Wirana Shipping Corporation.
The recent decision taken by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to introduce an additional process of documentation checks will act as a deterrent to ships being sent for recycling with fake documents, says Wirana Shipping, the world’s oldest cash buyer with over 40 years’ experience.
Recent reports have suggested the number of vessels with fake documents has increased substantially due to the rise of the ‘dark fleet’. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretariat has identified 529 vessels operating with false, fraudulent or misused registration documents.
Wirana says the dark fleet will have many vessels that would need to be recycled sooner than later because of their age. There would also be more vessels from the dark fleet that may need to be sent for recycling due to the major shift in U.S Sanctions on Venezuela, with the selective roll-back strategy which has eased restrictions in the oil and gas sector.
CEO at Wirana Rakesh Khetan said: “We are seeing sanctioned ships making their way to ship recycling facilities in Alang, India and this has been possible to a certain extent with fake or altered documentation. Even though banks in India do not work or affect bank fund transfers for sanctioned vessels, there is no regulation that specially bans sanctioned vessels from being recycled in India.”
Wirana Shipping has been vocal on this issue and raised concerns that allowing sanctioned vessels causes problems for ship recyclers who buy clean vessels as they are unable to compete with sanctioned vessels sold at a substantially cheaper price,
Mr Khetan stressed if this practice is allowed to continue then the ship recycling sector in Alang, India, is at risk of gradually being killed off.
“An additional check on documents being submitted for incoming vessels for recycling will surely make it difficult for vessels with fake documents to pass through,” he added. “But there will still be cases where a sanctioned vessel is able to get clearance in India if genuine flag states and insurance companies accept business for sanctioned vessels”
India remains one of the world’s main ship recycling destinations, supported by experienced yards and established infrastructure. And these steps by DGMA will s ensure that ship recyclers who only work with clean vessels will be able to survive, says Wirana.
Latest News
Rollout of CMT test kits increase as bulk shipmanagers look to reduce costs
(Posted on 16/07/26)CM Technologies (CMT) has supplied its integrated onboard fuel/oil testing and analysis kits to a fleet... Read more
Superior’s TeleStacker conveyor evolution continues to improve plant and port performance
(Posted on 07/07/26)Superior Industries, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing... Read more
Repositioned for the Future: NDE Readymix’s E-Crane Transformation
(Posted on 03/07/26)NDE Readymix Concrete Ltd., established in 2009, is the largest non-cement ready-mix concrete producer... Read more
Hazira Port crane success for Steelpaint’s new Stelcatec-L repair coat solution
(Posted on 30/06/26)German corrosion protection specialist Steelpaint has successfully completed a technical field trial... Read more
Veson Platform a new foundation for maritime trade
(Posted on 30/06/26)Veson Nautical has announced the Veson Platform, a unified, AI-powered experience that brings together... Read more
ABB to acquire Høglund to expand marine automation offering
(Posted on 29/06/26)ABB has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire marine automation specialist Hø... Read more
NAVTOR sets new standards with Digital Logbook ‘industry firsts’
(Posted on 29/06/26)NAVTOR has unveiled the latest iteration of its Digital Logbooks offering, featuring the industry&rsquo... Read more
Industry warned battery fire awareness must catch up with changing onboard risks
(Posted on 25/06/26)The maritime industry is facing a rapidly changing fire risk on board vessels as electric vehicles and... Read more
Smart Ship Hub launches one of industry's lowest-cost vessel data loggers
(Posted on 24/06/26)Smart Ship Hub (SSH), the maritime intelligence and data collection platform, has launched one of the... Read more
75 Years young: Verstegen celebrates three quarters of a century of excellence
(Posted on 18/06/26)World leading manufacturer of rope operated mechanical grabs for the dry bulk industry, Verstegen Grijpers... Read more
