{"id":1295,"date":"2026-02-10T05:25:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T05:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=1295"},"modified":"2026-08-24T08:57:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T08:57:37","slug":"vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"How Vessel Age Impacts Safety, Pollution Control, and Insurance Risk?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#Table_of_Contents\" >Table of Contents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#What_Are_the_Main_Reasons_for_Setting_Vessel_Age_Norms%E2%80%8B\" >What Are the Main Reasons for Setting Vessel Age Norms?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#Why_Does_Vessel_Age_Affect_Safety_Standards%E2%80%8B\" >Why Does Vessel Age Affect Safety Standards?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#When_Do_Entry_Age_Limits_Apply_to_New_Ships%E2%80%8B\" >When Do Entry Age Limits Apply to New Ships?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#How_Does_Vessel_Age_Influence_Pollution_Control%E2%80%8B\" >How Does Vessel Age Influence Pollution Control?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#What_Happens_to_Existing_Vessels_Past_Age_Limits%E2%80%8B\" >What Happens to Existing Vessels Past Age Limits?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#Why_Are_Inspections_Tougher_for_Older_Offshore_Vessels%E2%80%8B\" >Why Are Inspections Tougher for Older Offshore Vessels?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#When_Must_Bulk_Carriers_and_General_Cargo_Follow_CAP_Ratings%E2%80%8B\" >When Must Bulk Carriers and General Cargo Follow CAP Ratings?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#How_Do_Age_Norms_Hit_Insurance_Risks_for_Ship_Owners%E2%80%8B\" >How Do Age Norms Hit Insurance Risks for Ship Owners?\u200b<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#What_is_DGMA_Order_01_of_2026\" >What is DGMA Order 01 of 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#How_is_vessel_age_calculated\" >How is vessel age calculated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#What_about_bulk_carriers_over_20_years\" >What about bulk carriers over 20 years?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#When_do_existing_ships_phase_out\" >When do existing ships phase out?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/#Are_offshore_vessels_exempt\" >Are offshore vessels exempt?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Table_of_Contents\"><\/span>Table of Contents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#what-are-the-main-reasons-for-setting-vessel-age-norms\">What Are the Main Reasons for Setting Vessel Age Norms?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-does-vessel-age-affect-safety-standards\">Why Does Vessel Age Affect Safety Standards?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-do-entry-age-limits-apply-to-new-ships\">When Do Entry Age Limits Apply to New Ships?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-does-vessel-age-influence-pollution-control\">How Does Vessel Age Influence Pollution Control?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-happens-to-existing-vessels-past-age-limits\">What Happens to Existing Vessels Past Age Limits?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-are-inspections-tougher-for-older-offshore-vessels\">Why Are Inspections Tougher for Older Offshore Vessels?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-must-bulk-carriers-and-general-cargo-follow-cap-ratings\">When Must Bulk Carriers and General Cargo Follow CAP Ratings?\u200b<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-do-age-norms-hit-insurance-risks-for-ship-owners\">How Do Age Norms Hit Insurance Risks for Ship Owners?\u200b<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1770029899791\">What is DGMA Order 01 of 2026?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1770029918505\">How is vessel age calculated?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1770029952492\">What about bulk carriers over 20 years?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1770029979156\">When do existing ships phase out?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1770029993196\">Are offshore vessels exempt?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vessel age plays a key role in deciding safety levels, pollution control efforts, and insurance risks for ships operating under the Indian flag or needing licenses. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/india-phases-out-old-ships-dgs-order\/\">DGMA Order No. 01 of 2026<\/a>, strict age norms ensure quality tonnage, reducing accidents and emissions while keeping insurance costs in check.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This order from the <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)<\/a>  highlights why older vessels face higher scrutiny for\u00a0vessel age impact on safety, pollution prevention, and risk coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Global-vessel-age-limits-1.png\" alt=\"Global Vessel Age Limits\n\" class=\"wp-image-1296 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;width:665px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Global-vessel-age-limits-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Global-vessel-age-limits-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Global-vessel-age-limits-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Global-vessel-age-limits-1-768x768.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-main-reasons-for-setting-vessel-age-norms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Main_Reasons_for_Setting_Vessel_Age_Norms%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>What Are the Main Reasons for Setting Vessel Age Norms?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/indian-merchant-shipping-ms-rules-acts-2025\/\">Merchant Shipping Act, 1958,<\/a> aims to build a strong Indian mercantile marine that serves national needs safely. <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGMA<\/a> Order 06 of 2023 started this, but the average age of Indian tonnage keeps rising while the world fleet gets younger.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quality tonnage matters for safe ocean growth and sustainability. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/india-phases-out-old-ships-dgs-order\/\">Older ships<\/a> mean more risks to life at sea, so norms push for modern vessels with better tech for low-carbon fuels. This fights greenhouse gases as per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IMO<\/a> goals.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stakeholders like ship-owners asked for reviews due to costs and vessel shortages. An IIM Indore study backed entry age limits and suggested flexible exit rules for complex ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-does-vessel-age-affect-safety-standards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Vessel_Age_Affect_Safety_Standards%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>Why Does Vessel Age Affect Safety Standards?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older vessels wear out faster, leading to hull cracks, machinery failures, and weak systems. <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGMA<\/a> norms require IACS classification and CAP ratings for hull and machinery on ships over 15 years old.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For bulk carriers over 20 years, RightShip inspections or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-star-system-seafarer-compliance-rating\/\">DGMA ratings<\/a> check safety. Oil tankers above 20 years cannot enter the Indian registry, cutting accident risks.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspections like OVID for offshore vessels ensure older ships stay fit. Without these, safety drops, raising crew and cargo dangers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"when-do-entry-age-limits-apply-to-new-ships\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Do_Entry_Age_Limits_Apply_to_New_Ships%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>When Do Entry Age Limits Apply to New Ships?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ships below 15 years enter freely if classed with IACS members. Between 15-20 years, they need CAP 1 for hull and CAP 2 for machinery at dry-dock.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the next 20-25 years, entry will tighten\u2014there will be no second-hand buys for most tankers or bulkers. Foreign-flag ships under Sections 406\/407 follow the same rules for EEZ work.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Age counts from &#8220;Date of Delivery&#8221; on safety certificates. This keeps the fleet young and safe.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"431\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/global-vessel-entry-age-limits-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Global Vessel Entry Age Limits\n\" class=\"wp-image-1299 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/global-vessel-entry-age-limits-1-1.jpg 959w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/global-vessel-entry-age-limits-1-1-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/global-vessel-entry-age-limits-1-1-768x345.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 959px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 959\/431;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-does-vessel-age-influence-pollution-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Vessel_Age_Influence_Pollution_Control%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>How Does Vessel Age Influence Pollution Control?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aging ships use outdated engines that emit more fumes and leak oil more easily. Norms push for energy-efficient ships to meet IMO GHG cuts.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older chemical carriers need annual FSI inspections after 20 years to control spills. Bulk carriers require Rightship scores above 3, ensuring clean ops.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sustainability Indexing will determine whether ships over the maximum age can continue to operate after 2031. This links age to pollution rules.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-happens-to-existing-vessels-past-age-limits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_to_Existing_Vessels_Past_Age_Limits%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>What Happens to Existing Vessels Past Age Limits?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ships registered before January 21, 2026, run till March 31, 2029. A two-year extension to 2031 needs a Sustainability Index review.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">General cargo over 40 years operates only in fair weather. No exemptions for most types, pushing fleet renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-are-inspections-tougher-for-older-offshore-vessels\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_Inspections_Tougher_for_Older_Offshore_Vessels%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>Why Are Inspections Tougher for Older Offshore Vessels?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offshore ships over 15 years old need OVID or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-star-system-seafarer-compliance-rating\/\">DGMA ratings <\/a>yearly. DP2 vessels exit at 30 years, others at 25.\u200bAnnual FSI keeps pollution and safety in line. This cuts risks in harsh seas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"when-must-bulk-carriers-and-general-cargo-follow-cap-ratings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Must_Bulk_Carriers_and_General_Cargo_Follow_CAP_Ratings%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>When Must Bulk Carriers and General Cargo Follow CAP Ratings?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below 15 years, just the IACS class. 15-20 years: CAP at dry-dock. No entry over 20 years.\u200b Further runs past 25 years need Sustainability checks. Rightship score of 3 minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"911\" height=\"911\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/comparison-table-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Comparison table\n\" class=\"wp-image-1301 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 911px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 911\/911;width:718px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/comparison-table-1-edited.jpg 911w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/comparison-table-1-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/comparison-table-1-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/comparison-table-1-edited-768x768.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 911px) 100vw, 911px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-do-age-norms-hit-insurance-risks-for-ship-owners\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Age_Norms_Hit_Insurance_Risks_for_Ship_Owners%E2%80%8B\"><\/span>How Do Age Norms Hit Insurance Risks for Ship Owners?\u200b<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurers charge more for old ships due to high breakdown odds. <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGMA<\/a> norms lower risks by mandating ratings and dropping premiums for compliant fleets.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Non-classed or over-age vessels face license denial, hiking uninsured risks. Quality tonnage means fewer claims. Foreign charters in EEZ must match entry ages and leveling costs.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770029899791\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_DGMA_Order_01_of_2026\"><\/span>What is DGMA Order 01 of 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It sets full age norms for Indian flag vessels and foreign ones under MS Act Sections 406\/407.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770029918505\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_vessel_age_calculated\"><\/span>How is vessel age calculated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Vessel age is calculated from &#8220;Date of Delivery&#8221; on the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770029952492\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_about_bulk_carriers_over_20_years\"><\/span>What about bulk carriers over 20 years?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No second-hand acquisitions are allowed; existing vessels must have a minimum Rightship Safety Score of 3 and comply with qualitative parameters to continue operation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770029979156\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_do_existing_ships_phase_out\"><\/span>When do existing ships phase out?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Existing vessels registered before January 21, 2026, can operate until March 31, 2029, with a possible two-year extension to March 31, 2031, subject to a Sustainability Indexing review.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770029993196\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_offshore_vessels_exempt\"><\/span>Are offshore vessels exempt?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, most offshore vessels follow age norms (25 years general limit, 30 years for DP2), but highly specialized types like heavy lift barges, pipe-laying vessels, dredgers, and MODU\/SPS certified units are exempt from these requirements.<a href=\"https:\/\/infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/ports-shipping\/highly-specialised-vessels-exempted-from-age-norms-rule\/101453626\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vessel age plays a key role in deciding safety levels, pollution control efforts, and insurance risks for ships operating under the Indian flag or needing licenses. According to DGMA Order No. 01 of 2026, strict age norms ensure quality tonnage, reducing accidents and emissions while keeping insurance costs in check.\u200b This order from the Directorate &#8230; <a title=\"How Vessel Age Impacts Safety, Pollution Control, and Insurance Risk?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/vessel-age-impacts-safety-pollution-risk\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Vessel Age Impacts Safety, Pollution Control, and Insurance Risk?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[151,149,70,150],"class_list":["post-1295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marine","tag-age-norms","tag-age-relaxation","tag-dgs","tag-phasing-older-ships"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1295"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2916,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1295\/revisions\/2916"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}