International classification council revokes Russian membership

Following last week's EU sanctions on the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS), the Russian ship classification society has been bumped out of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

PHOTO: The oldest RMRS classified icebreaker. RMRS

“Under the terms of the Charter which requires agreement from 75% or more of its members, IACS Council has therefore adopted a resolution that the RMRS membership of IACS is withdrawn with immediate effect,” IACS said in a statement.

RMRS, which had been a member for 50 years, responded by saying the decision was illegitimate and in violation of the IACS' charter and procedures.

“RMRS is preparing an appeal in connection with the illegal decision made by IACS,” it said.

Norway-headquartered ship classification society DNV said last week it is getting behind Western sanctions by pulling away from its contracts and operations in Russia.

“We are reviewing our existing business portfolio with Russian entities and are winding down all related business,” it said on Thursday.

DNV is the world’s biggest classification society and employs three people in Ukraine and 22 in Russia.

The second biggest society, American Bureau of Shipping, followed up today by withdrawing from dealings with Russian vessels, assets and firms, saying it is falling in line with the US government's sanctions on Russia.

“The decision follows the tragic events developing in Ukraine and a thorough evaluation of the evolving regulatory and sanctions environment and its applicability to ABS operations.”

Cyprus' shipping minister has said Russian-affiliated ships in its registry could be deflagged over the next two days, pending EU clarification, Lloyd's List editor Michelle Wiese Bockmann tweeted today,