IACS Council withdraws Russian Maritime Register of Shipping’s membership

The Council of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has withdrawn the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping’s (RMRS) membership with immediate effect.

In a statement, IACS, which is domiciled in the UK, said the Council had been continuously reviewing the developing sanctions landscape to ensure it complies fully with all legal requirements.

‘As part of that ongoing evaluation, and following the receipt of external legal advice, IACS Council…agreed that the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping’s ongoing membership of IACS is no longer tenable.’

Responding, RMRS labelled the decision ‘illegitimate’ and ‘in violation of the Charter and procedures of [the] Association’. It also confirmed it was preparing an appeal in connection with what it described as the IACS Council’s ‘illegal’ decision.