In a recent development, Lloyd’s Register, the renowned maritime services company, has notified Gatik Ship Management, a major Indian carrier of Russian oil following the Ukraine conflict, that it will be withdrawing certification for 21 of its vessels by June 3. This announcement comes as another setback for Gatik, which has been grappling with the need to secure new flags for 36 of its ships after they were deflagged by the St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry.
Lloyd’s Register, headquartered in London, emphasized its commitment to ensuring compliance with sanctions regulations surrounding the trade of Russian oil. In an email response to Reuters, the company stated, “Where supported by evidence, we withdraw class and services from any vessels found by the relevant authorities to be breaching international sanctions.”
Classification societies like Lloyd’s Register play a crucial role in the maritime industry by providing services such as seaworthiness inspections and certification, which are vital for obtaining insurance coverage and gaining entry to ports. However, Lloyd’s Register clarified that out of the 21 Gatik vessels being declassified, 11 of them were also certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass).
Gatik, headquartered in Mumbai, India, according to shipping databases, has yet to respond to emailed requests for comment regarding this recent development. The Indian company has been operating as a significant carrier of Russian oil, but it now faces the challenge of ensuring compliance with international sanctions and securing necessary certifications for its fleet.
The withdrawal of certification by Lloyd’s Register raises concerns about the potential impact on Gatik’s operations. Without proper certification, the company may face difficulties in obtaining insurance coverage and gaining access to various ports, hampering its ability to continue its operations smoothly.
The situation worsened for Gatik when 36 of its vessels were deflagged by the St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry, requiring the company to seek new flags for these ships. These successive setbacks highlight the increasing challenges faced by Gatik as it strives to navigate the complex landscape of international maritime regulations and sanctions.
Certification bodies like Lloyd’s Register and the Indian Register of Shipping play vital roles in ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations in the maritime industry. With the withdrawal of certifications, Gatik is likely to face pressure to rectify the situation promptly and ensure adherence to the necessary requirements.
It remains to be seen how Gatik will respond to these setbacks and what measures the company will take to address the challenges posed by the withdrawal of certifications for its vessels. As the June 3 deadline approaches, Gatik will need to swiftly address the concerns raised by Lloyd’s Register and demonstrate its commitment to compliance with international sanctions and regulations.
Lloyd’s Register has informed Gatik Ship Management, a prominent Indian carrier involved in transporting Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict, that it will withdraw certification for 21 of its vessels by June 3, according to statements from the maritime services company provided to Reuters.
In an email response to Reuters, Lloyd’s Register emphasized its dedication to ensuring compliance with sanctions regulations pertaining to the trading of Russian oil. The company stated, “Where supported by evidence, we withdraw class and services from any vessels found by the relevant authorities to be breaching international sanctions.”
Classification societies like Lloyd’s Register, based in London, play a crucial role in the maritime industry by conducting seaworthiness assessments and providing vital certifications necessary for securing insurance coverage and facilitating port entry. However, Lloyd’s Register clarified that among the 21 vessels being declassified, 11 of them were also certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass).
As stakeholders closely monitor the situation, it is hoped that Gatik will take appropriate steps to ensure compliance, resolve the certification issues, and resume its operations effectively. The evolving landscape of international sanctions and maritime regulations necessitates companies to remain vigilant and proactive in adapting to the changing requirements of the industry.
