Members are advised that RightShip has notified ICS that they are preparing to launch an expanded Vetting Criteria, with some charterers already seeing value and applying the enhanced standard to their vets. RightShip will formally apply the new criteria from June, 2021 as the sole standard Vetting Criteria applied by RightShip.  

RightShip have further advised that it is an important element in their work to improve safety, sustainability and human rights. The RightShip team has therefore made binary failings much clearer, to ensure that the path to an acceptable vetting recommendation is easily understood. RightShip have also added several social responsibility and sustainability measures to support the industry’s aspirations for long-term improvements. 

RightShip comment that they understand that it requires additional work from their ship owning customers, who may need to make additional enhancements to their fleets, so RightShip have prepared a comprehensive guide to support shipowners which is attached below. 

RightShip invite shipowners to read the guide, The Shipowners Guide to RightShip’s Vetting Criteria and provide any comments or suggestions, if they see additional ways to assist shipowners during this transition.  The feedback will be collated and anonymised before providing a summary to RighShip. 

Any comments or feedback to the above and attached guide should be sent to  Chris Oliver, ICS Nautical Director at chris.oliver@ics-shipping.org before Friday 28 May 2021.  

Also, HKSOA is arranging a webinar with RightShip Singapore on 22nd June.  This is to provide members with more information about SmartShip with a Q&A session. Full details will be sent out in early June.