---
title: "India revokes certificates for 235 vessels: a hard blow to the 'shadow fleet' and sanctions evasion"
description: "India is conducting a rigorous cleanup of its maritime registry: IRClass has revoked certificates for 235 vessels over three years. 🚫🚢 The goal is to prevent the circumvention of Western sanctions against Russia and Iran. Without Indian certification, tankers face the loss of insurance and closure of access to ports. 📉🛑"
date: 2026-06-09T23:44:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/india-revokes-certificates-for-235-vessels-blow-to-shadow-fleet
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# India revokes certificates for 235 vessels: a hard blow to the 'shadow fleet' and sanctions evasion

![Tanker Maximus at the dock: an example of a vessel whose certificates India may revoke as part of the fight against the shadow fleet](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/10/indiya-otmenyaet-sertifikaty-u-235-sudov-udar-po-tenevomu-flotu/indiya-otmenyaet-sertifikaty-u-235-sudov-udar-po-tenevomu-flotu-1.webp)

India, traditionally adopting a position of flexible diplomacy regarding energy security, has begun a rigorous cleanup of its maritime registry. In the last three years, Indian regulators have annulled safety certificates for more than 200 tankers and other vessels. This measure is aimed at preventing the use of the Indian flag to circumvent international trade restrictions.

### Massive registry cleanup

A key player in this process is the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), based in Mumbai. It is one of the leading global organizations whose certifications are necessary for the legal operation of vessels in international waters. According to the head of the organization, Arun Sharma, 235 vessels have been removed from the IRClass registry since 2023.

Most of these vessels are oil tankers, whose activities often raise questions among Western regulators. Several gas carriers were also included in the list. Removal from the IRClass registry is not just a bureaucratic formality. Without a certificate from an authoritative body, a vessel loses the ability to obtain insurance and risks being cut off from access to ports worldwide.

### New sanctions policy

Arun Sharma confirmed that the organization's approach has changed radically. If previously the registry could include vessels already subject to Western restrictions, the principle of 'zero tolerance' now applies. Since 2023, IRClass refuses to register any vessels linked to the sanctions lists of the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.

"We do not take any vessels that have any sanctions," Sharma stated, referring to restrictions imposed against Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine, as well as against Iran in connection with its nuclear program. The organization has moved to a "very comprehensive" policy that leaves no loopholes for dubious operations.

### New Delhi's energy balance

These actions are taking place against the backdrop of a complex geopolitical situation. India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the start of the full-scale war. However, in recent times, New Delhi has demonstrated increasing caution in deals that could be perceived as a violation of Western sanctions.

A striking example of this caution was India's refusal to purchase Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) under projects subject to American restrictions. The country's authorities are striving to maintain economic benefits from cheap energy resources without entering into direct conflict with Western partners.

### Consequences for shipping

Tightening requirements are already being felt. Previously, Indian authorities intensified inspections of tankers entering local ports. Some vessels transporting Russian oil have already faced restrictions due to a lack of proper certification. Now, with the mass revocation of documents for 235 vessels, pressure on the so-called "shadow fleet" has increased manifold, forcing owners to seek new, safer routes or change jurisdiction.