Lloyd’s Register has informed India’s Gatik Ship Management that it will revoke certification of 21 of its boats by June 3, according to Reuters. It is the latest blow for Gatik, which was also forced to obtain new flags for 36 of its ships when the St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry deflagged them.
“Lloyd’s Register is committed to facilitating compliance with sanctions regulations on the trading of Russian oil,” the company told Reuters in an email. “Where evidence supports it, we withdraw class and services from any vessels found by the relevant authorities to be in violation of international sanctions.”
Classification organisations, such as Lloyd’s Register in London, provide services like seaworthiness examinations and certification, which are required for insurance and port admission.
However, Lloyd’s Register stated that 11 of the Gatik vessels being declassified were also approved by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass). According to shipping statistics, Gatik is situated in the Indian city of Mumbai. Email attempts for comment were not returned. The American Club, a prominent US insurer, also stated that it would no longer provide coverage for Gatik ships, while Russian insurer Ingosstrakh stated that it would no longer engage with Gatik in the future. Neither the insurers, Lloyd’s Register, nor the flag registry explained why they have stopped doing business with Gatik.
