Suez Canal introduces mandatory inspections for vessels aged 25 years and older

The Suez Canal Authority has introduced mandatory technical inspections and tests for all vessels aged 25 years and older planning to transit the waterway. The new rules apply to all types of vessels and require additional checks of their technical condition before passage. According to Splash, the decision could increase costs for shipowners and cause shipping delays, particularly for operators of ageing fleets.

Under the new requirements, shipowners and shipping agents must factor inspections into their voyage planning and pay the necessary fees before transiting the canal. This is particularly relevant for vessels operating on irregular schedules, where additional procedures could complicate transit arrangements. However, the Suez Canal Authority has not yet specified the inspection fees or the duration of the procedures, creating additional uncertainty for participants in the maritime shipping market.

The new rules also provide for exemptions. Vessels returning to the Suez Canal within six months of their previous inspection will not be required to undergo another examination. However, this exemption applies only if no technical defects, breakdowns or other adverse findings concerning the vessel’s condition have been recorded. As a result, operators of regular shipping services will be able to avoid some additional procedures, provided their fleets meet the established requirements.

The stricter controls come amid the ageing of the global merchant fleet. According to Clarksons Research, the total tonnage of vessels aged 25 years and older now exceeds 150 mln gross tons, up 75% from five years ago. Meanwhile, a record 68 mln gross tons are accounted for by vessels that have been in service for more than 30 years. The growing share of ageing vessels raises concerns about technical safety and the reliability of maritime transport, particularly along strategically important international shipping routes.

The new requirements could also have a particular impact on the so-called shadow fleet, which is used to circumvent international sanctions. A significant share of these vessels are more than 20–25 years old and often face maintenance problems. According to ship recycling company GMS, at least one-third of tankers in this segment should already have been scrapped. Mandatory inspections could make it more difficult for such vessels to transit the Suez Canal. At the same time, the new rules pose a risk of additional logistics costs and delays for international trade, including grain and oilseed shipments, when older vessels are used.

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Tags: Suez Canal, shipping