RightShip Pro
RightShip inspection age trigger 2027: which ships need an inspection and when
From 20 January 2027, RightShip requires a valid RightShip Inspection for dry bulk and general cargo ships aged 10.5 years (revised on 26 May 2026; it had been 10 years from 1 January 2027). The age counts from the Date of Delivery. Ships already 11 or older have been in scope since 1 July 2026.
The four phases
RightShip is bringing its inspection age trigger down from 14 years in four phases. From each date, a vessel of that age or older needs a valid RightShip Inspection.
| Phase | Vessel age | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 years | Window 1 July to 1 October 2025 (completed) |
| 2 | 12 years | 1 April 2026 |
| 3 | 11 years | 1 July 2026 |
| 4 (revised) | 10.5 years | 20 January 2027 |
When does it reach your ship? By delivery date
The date a ship needs a valid inspection is the first day its age reaches the age of the phase in force. This is the same rule the RightShip Pro planner uses.
| Date of delivery | Valid inspection needed from | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| On or before 1 July 2015 | Already (1 July 2026 at the latest) | Phase 3 (11 years) or an earlier phase |
| 2 July 2015 to 19 January 2016 | The day it turns 11 (between 2 July 2026 and 19 January 2027) | Phase 3, 11 years |
| 20 January 2016 to 20 July 2016 | 20 January 2027 | Phase 4 start: 10.5 years or older on that day |
| 21 July 2016 or later | The day it turns 10.5 (delivery + 10 years 6 months) | Phase 4, 10.5 years |
Examples: delivered 1 March 2016 → 20 January 2027. Delivered 1 March 2017 → 1 September 2027. Delivered 1 October 2015 → 1 October 2026. Confirm a ship’s own date on the RightShip platform, which shows its age to one decimal place.
What else the rule says
- Ship types: dry bulk and general cargo vessels. RightShip will also require vessels of less than 8,000 DWT to undergo a similar inspection.
- Age: counted from the Date of Delivery.
- Why Phase 4 moved: industry feedback about conflicts with the second Special Survey dry docking.
- No window for Phases 2 to 4: each has one clear date (RightShip update of 26 November 2025).
- Without a valid inspection: the Safety Score is downgraded to 2 out of 5 (safety score hybrid rule, SS2-5) when the ship reaches the age, or on the phase date if it is already older.
- For charterers: such a vessel needs a valid inspection to pass vetting nomination; the decision to fix it stays with the charterer.
Source: RightShip, “Revised RightShip inspection age trigger: what it means for owners, managers and charterers” (first published 11 December 2024, updated 26 November 2025 and 26 May 2026; read on 18 October 2026). How long an inspection stays valid is not shown in that article.
Questions
What changed in the RightShip inspection age trigger for 2027?
RightShip revised Phase 4 on 26 May 2026. From 20 January 2027 the inspection age trigger applies to dry bulk and general cargo vessels aged 10.5 years. It had been announced as 10 years from 1 January 2027; RightShip changed it after industry feedback about conflicts with the second Special Survey dry docking. Phases 1 to 3 are unchanged.
Which ships does the age trigger apply to?
Dry bulk and general cargo vessels. RightShip also says it will require vessels of less than 8,000 DWT to undergo a similar inspection. The article does not cover tankers or other ship types.
How is the vessel's age counted?
From the Date of Delivery. The age is shown on the RightShip platform to one decimal place.
What happens if a ship has no valid RightShip Inspection when it reaches the age?
Its Safety Score drops: a vessel without a valid RightShip Inspection when it reaches the relevant age, or on the phase date if it is already older, is downgraded to 2 out of 5 under the safety score hybrid rule (SS2-5). For charterers, such a vessel needs a valid inspection to pass vetting nomination; the decision to fix the vessel stays with the charterer.
Is there an implementation window for Phase 4?
No. Phase 1 had a three-month window (1 July to 1 October 2025). Since RightShip's 26 November 2025 update, Phases 2 to 4 each have one clear date. RightShip advises submitting inspection requests early; bookings can be changed for date and location in the platform.
How do I see the date for each of my ships?
Open the free Inspection planner in RightShip Pro, add each vessel's delivery year and month and its last inspection date. The planner shows the date the age trigger reaches the vessel and whether your re-inspection cycle covers it. It works on the device, with no sign-up, and exports a CSV.
RightShip Pro is an independent preparation tool made by CryoSim. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by RightShip. This page summarises RightShip’s published article in CryoSim’s own words; RightShip’s current publications and platform always take precedence. Getting ready for the inspection itself: the RightShip inspection checklists by rank (RISQ 3.2), the quick start and RightShip Pro.
