The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has withdrawn the membership of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping’s (RMRS) amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
IACS Council voted to adopt a resolution withdrawing the membership with immediate effect last Friday.
The decision comes following “external legal advice” in response to sanctions in the UK where IACS is located.
“IACS deeply regrets the circumstances that have resulted in this decision and hopes that hostilities in Ukraine will cease as soon as possible, and that peace will return to the region,” IACS said in a statement.
IACS consists of eleven member marine classification societies representing more than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage. The classification societies include American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), Croation Register of Shipping (CRS), China Classification Society (CCS), DNV, Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), Lloyd’s Register (LR), Korean Register of Shipping (KR), ClassNK, Polish Register of Shipping (PRS), and Registro Italiano Navale (RINA).
London-based Lloyd’s Register and Norway’s DNV have also announced withdrawing class services to Russian entities.
Meanwhile, U.S. classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Monday said it has decided to withdraw all class services involving Russian vessels, assets and companies.
“After careful consideration of the situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea as well as the applicable sanctions, ABS has taken the decision to withdraw all Class services involving Russian vessels, assets and companies.
“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. As a U.S. company, ABS strictly follows both the letter and the spirit of U.S. sanctions’ law.
“ABS is in the process of communicating with all affected clients and stakeholders to ensure a safe and orderly transition out of ABS Class.
“ABS is in contact with all employees in the region and working to ensure their safety“, ABS stated.
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