Class Societies Blacklist  Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) has been withdrawn from  International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)  even as  class societies have started to pull out of the country

The moves are in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Council announced that, after seeking legal advice, RMRS’s membership of IACS was no longer tenable.

“As such, and under the terms of its Charter which requires agreement from 75% or more of its Members, IACS Council has therefore adopted a Resolution that the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping’s membership of IACS is withdrawn with immediate effect,” IACS said in a press release.

Class societies have individually announced their own measures related to Russian operations.

DNV announced that it is reviewing all ongoing contracts and operations with Russian entities and winding down all related business. Remi Eriksen, DNV Group President and CEO, said, “We are deeply disturbed by the invasion of Ukraine, which is inflicting terrible harm to the citizens of Ukraine and threatening peace across the region.

“Our top priority is the safety of our people, and we are working to ensure our employees have the support they need.”

Fellow IACS Council member Lloyd’s Register also announced that it was disengaging from the provision of all services to Russian owned, controlled or managed assets or companies.

ABS has posted an update on its website stating that its activities in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine are limited or not available.