【RightShip】 Updates Age Trigger for Vessel Inspections//Update on 12 Dec. 2024//

RightShip announced that they updated age trigger for vessel inspections to boost dry bulk safety.

https://rightship.com/insights/rightship-updates-age-trigger-vessel-inspections-boost-maritime-safety

According to RightShip's analysis, the dry bulk sector has a higher accident rate than other ship types, and in particular, there is a correlation between ship age and safety risk. Based on these analyses, RigtShip has decided to change the Safety Score rules for ship age as follows.

Phase1（31st March 2025）

Rule		Resolution Option
SS2-5	Vessel over 12 years without a satisfactory RightShip inspection in the last 12 months (excl tankers)	RightShip Inspection must be completed

Phase2（2026）

ルール		解決方法
SS2-5	Vessel over 10 years without a satisfactory RightShip inspection in the last 12 months (excl tankers)	RightShip Inspection must be completed

This rule change means that after March 31, 2025 for vessels 12 years of age and older, and after 2026 for vessels 10 years of age and older, a ship must complete a RightShip inspection once a year otherwise her safety score drops to 2.

Many charter parties have clause about RightShip and charterer often request owners to keep ship's safety score at least 3. If you have a bulk carrier that will be over 12 years old after 2025 (or 10 years old after 2026), we recommend that you first check the relevant charter party clauses. 

//Update on 12 Dec. 2024//

RightShip decided to revised timeline for vessel inspection age trigger in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The revised timeline has 4 phases and has implementation window 3months each.

Source : RightShip

The above 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.

In addition, RightShip introduced Early Inspection Incentive, which 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. 

For more detail, please see

Press Release: RightShip Announces Revised Timeline for Vessel Inspection Age Trigger in Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders