Revised RightShip Inspection Age Trigger: What It Means for Owners, Managers, and Charterers

What changes has RightShip made regarding vessel inspection age triggers, and why?

RightShip has revised its vessel inspection age trigger, reducing the inspection threshold from 14 to 10 years through a four-phased approach. This change aims to improve safety within the dry bulk sector, which continues to face higher rates of incidents, fatalities, and Port State Control (PSC) detentions compared to other shipping segments. RightShip will require vessels of less than 8,000 DWT to undergo similar inspection making the safety standard more consistent across the global Dry Bulk and General Cargo fleet.

What does the revised phased approach for implementing the new inspection age trigger entail?

In response to industry concerns RightShip has introduced the following updates:

• Extended Timeline with Four Phases: The rollout has been expanded to a four-phase implementation, giving vessel owners and operators more time to adjust budgets, train crew, and plan for inspections. This phased approach also allows RightShip to accredit additional inspectors.

• Alignment with Dry Dock: For Phase 4, inspections for vessels aged 10 years will now align with the Second Special Survey Dry Dock, with a three-month buffer post-completion before inspection requirements take effect.

Why is the timeline between Phase 2 and 3 so short?

The shorter gap between Phase 2 and Phase 3 compared to Phase 1 and Phase 2 has been strategically designed to ensure that each phase of the new inspection age trigger implementation occurs in different quarters of the year. This planning is crucial to prevent the renewal inspections of one phase from coinciding with the commencement of another phase, which would otherwise increase the workload on vessel operators.

By staggering the inspection phases across different quarters, we can better manage the inspection volumes and reduce operational pressure on both vessel operators and our inspector network. This approach allows us to service booking requests more efficiently and ensures a smooth transition for all parties involved.

Furthermore, our data indicates that there will be almost half as many vessels requiring inspection in Phase 3 compared to Phase 1. This forecasted decrease in the number of vessels needing inspection supports the decision for a shorter gap between these two phases, allowing us to maintain a balanced and manageable inspection schedule throughout the rollout.

In summary, the design of the phased approach, with varied implementation dates across different quarters, not only mitigates operational challenges but also enhances our ability to deliver timely and effective inspection services.

How does the updated Age Trigger approach impact vessel owners and managers (O&Ms)?

RightShip completed Phase 1 of the revised inspection age trigger in 2025, applying the inspection requirement to vessels aged 13 years. Originally, the rollout included a three-month implementation window for each phase, giving owners and managers time to prepare vessels, plan budgets, and coordinate inspections.

Phase 1 proved successful. The implementation window worked as intended, supported by significant growth in our accredited inspector pool. By staggering inspection requests—starting in April and building steadily through October—we ensured a smooth transition for all involved.

As of 26 November 2025, the implementation approach for Phases 2–4 has been updated.
In response to industry feedback, increased inspection capacity, and the strong performance of Phase 1, the remaining phases will now follow a simplified rollout with no implementation window.

What this means for owners and managers

• You will now work toward one clear implementation date per phase, rather than navigating a three-month window.

• A vessel’s Safety Score will drop if it does not have a valid RightShip Inspection when it reaches the relevant age, or—if it is already older—on the implementation date.

RightShip has significantly increased global inspection capacity to support the industry. Even if you intend to schedule the inspection later in the year, we recommend submitting an inspection request early.
Once your booking is in the system, you can easily adjust the inspection date and location within the platform, giving you flexibility while also securing your slot.

How will the Safety Score be impacted by these changes?

Vessels that do not have a valid RightShip Inspection by the specified dates will see their Safety Scores downgraded to 2 out of 5 in accordance with the safety score hybrid rule (SS2-5). This rule ensures that vessels meeting the inspection requirements are recognised for their compliance and safety standards, while those failing to do so will face a decrease in their Safety Scores.

How will the 10-year docking work?

A few options are currently being considered. We will continue to explore our options throughout 2025 and update the market accordingly well ahead of the 1st January 2027 implementation date for Phase 4.

What support is available to O&Ms to ease this transition?

RightShip has introduced several measures to support O&Ms, including:

• Increased Inspector Capacity: RightShip has significantly expanded its accredited inspector pool across key regions to meet demand while maintaining high inspection quality.
  

• Early Inspection Incentive: As part of Phase 1, vessels built after 1 October 2011 that complete inspections between January and June 2025 are eligible for a $1,000 inspection fee credit, encouraging early participation and spreading out inspection workloads. (Only applicable to Phase 1)
  

• Additional resources: RightShip will continue to develop additional resources to support owners, managers and crew to prepare for inspections.

How is RightShip going to service the increase in the number of Inspections?

In 2024, RightShip inspected in 95 countries and 950 ports, as illustrated in the graphic below. The highest proportion of these inspections took place in China, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, the United States, and Brazil.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, we have significantly expanded our accredited inspector network to meet the increased inspection demand arising from the Age Trigger rollout. Regular training and assessments have enabled us to strengthen coverage in key demand regions and ensure inspectors continue to meet the quality and consistency standards required for RightShip Inspections.

This expanded network supported the smooth delivery of Phase 1 and positions us to meet increased inspection demand across the remaining phases.

How can vessel operators prepare for this change?

To minimise the impact, operators are encouraged to adopt a proactive and strategic approach to planning. Just as careful thought goes into maintenance schedules, crew changes, and parts provision, inspection planning should receive the same level of attention. Mature managers already follow this approach, and by booking early and integrating inspections into their operational planning, they ensure the process remains seamless. Book early, plan thoroughly, and treat inspection preparation as an integral part of operational excellence.

What are the improvements on RightShip Inspections and how is RightShip going to manage the impact on crew?

In 2025, we are dedicated to implementing a roadmap of improvements to RightShip inspections, aiming to reduce the duration of onboard inspections to an average of 8-10 hours. This initiative is part of our broader effort to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our inspection processes, minimising disruption to vessel operations while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Additionally, we will invest in further enhancements to data submissions and the closeout of findings. These improvements will streamline the overall inspection process and experience, reducing the administrative burden on all stakeholders involved. By refining these elements, we strive to ensure that inspections are not only thorough and accurate but also as seamless and efficient as possible for operators and crews.