Vessel Vetting & Multi-Layered Risk Mitigation

Safeguarding High-Friction Trade Through Rigorous Due Diligence and 30 Years of Maritime Intelligence.

In high-friction jurisdictions, the vessel you choose is your first line of defense against legal, financial, and operational failure. At SanctionedShipping.com, our vetting process goes beyond standard Class and P&I checks. We provide a deep-dive analysis into ownership structures, historical AIS patterns, and regulatory standing to ensure every fixture is 100% compliant with global standards.

Our 12-Point "Clean Bottom" Vetting Protocol

Every vessel fixed through our desk must pass our proprietary vetting framework. This protocol is designed to protect Charterers from "Red Flag" associations and ensure smooth entry into complex ports like Hodeidah, Benghazi, and Novorossiysk.

1. Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Transparency

We pull back the curtain on complex corporate structures. We do not fix vessels with opaque "shell company" ownership or links to sanctioned entities.

2. Historical AIS Pattern Analysis

We analyze the last 24 months of a vessel’s AIS data. Any history of "dark periods," suspicious Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers, or spoofing results in immediate rejection.

3. Sanctions List Cross-Referencing

Continuous screening against OFAC (US), HM Treasury (UK), EU, and UN consolidated sanctions lists. This includes checking the vessel, the registered owner, the technical manager, and the ISM provider.

4. Technical Suitability & Gear Verification

For ports with damaged infrastructure, we verify the operational status of on-board cranes, grabs, and discharging equipment. We ensure the vessel’s LOA and Draft are compatible with real-time port conditions.

5. Port State Control (PSC) History

We review the vessel’s detention and deficiency history. A pattern of maintenance neglect is a leading indicator of potential delays in high-pressure jurisdictions.

6. P&I Club & Insurance Standing

Verification of Blue Cards and Entry with International Group (IG) P&I Clubs. For high-risk zones, we confirm the availability of War Risk and Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) extensions.

Why Vetting Matters in 2026

The "Dark Fleet" and "Grey Market" have made maritime compliance a minefield. Standard ship owners are often too risk-averse to enter complex markets, leaving a vacuum that less-reputable actors try to fill.

SanctionedShipping.com exists to solve this problem. We identify the "High-Tier" owners who are willing to trade in these zones but require the same level of due diligence that a Tier-1 commodity trader or NGO demands.

Expert Liaison: UNVIM & Regulatory Body Support

Vetting is only half the battle. The other half is communication. We facilitate the necessary paperwork for:

  • UNVIM (United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism): Ensuring all vessel specs and cargo manifests are pre-vetted for Red Sea clearance.

  • OFAC/EU Licensing: Assisting in the presentation of documentation for humanitarian "General Licenses."

  • Local Agency Coordination: Direct verification of "on-the-ground" port requirements to prevent last-minute berthing rejections.

Compliance as a Competitive Advantage

By utilizing our vetting services, Charterers benefit from:

  • Lower Insurance Premiums: Insurers favor vessels that have undergone our documented risk-mitigation process.

  • Reduced Demurrage: Clean vessels clear inspections faster, reducing costly idle time.

  • Reputational Security: Protect your organization from being linked to illicit maritime activity or "sanction-busting" headlines.

Technical Data Checklist for Owners & Charterers

Before submitting a fixture request, please ensure the following data is available for vetting:

  • Current IMO Number

  • Full Ownership Tree (UBO)

  • 6-Month AIS History Log

  • Current P&I Entry Certificate

  • Last 3 Port State Control Reports

Request a Vetting Report

Need a specific vessel screened for a high-friction voyage? Our intelligence team provides comprehensive risk assessments within 24 hours.

Contact the Vetting Desk: Email: info@sanctionedshipping.com Subject: Vessel Vetting Request – [Vessel Name/IMO]