Pratik Bijlani –
The increasingly complex sanctions environment facing global shipping came under scrutiny as the Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) hosted a webinar titled “Sanctions & their Impact – P&I and RPSL Perspective” on 12 August 2026. Bringing together perspectives from Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance and Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) operations, the session examined how evolving sanctions regimes are reshaping commercial decisions, insurance cover and the deployment of Indian seafarers.
The webinar, introduced by Capt. Girish Phadnis, featured presentations by Capt. Gagan Dhillon, CEO, West P&I Dubai; Mr. Tim Davies, Head of Claims, Eastern Team, West P&I; and Capt. Pankaj Kapoor, Managing Director of Quadraant Legal. The discussion highlighted that sanctions are no longer a concern confined to shipowners and charterers, but extend across the maritime ecosystem, including insurers, banks, cargo interests, ship managers and manning agencies.
Capt. Dhillon introduced West as a mutual P&I club and part of the International Group of P&I Clubs, which collectively represents around 90% of global shipping tonnage. He noted the rapid expansion of sanctions regimes and increasingly stringent enforcement, stressing that compliance requires consideration of the jurisdictions connected to a company, flag state, owner, manager and crew. “Sanctions are expanding rapidly, and enforcement is becoming increasingly stringent. Non-compliance is no longer limited to fines; it can also result in designation and criminal exposure, making sanctions compliance far more critical.” he said. He also highlighted the importance of examining cargoes, destinations, ownership structures and counterparties, including the potential application of the US 50% ownership rule. Inadequate due diligence, even when unintentional, could potentially prejudice P&I cover.
Mr. Davies examined the differences between US, UK and EU sanctions, particularly following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He discussed primary, secondary and sectoral sanctions, as well as asset freezes, geographical restrictions, cargo prohibitions, the Russian oil price cap and UK SPIRE reporting requirements. “Sanctions have become increasingly complex, particularly following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and differences between the US, UK and EU regimes are creating significant challenges for shipowners, operators and P&I clubs.” he said.
From the RPSL perspective, Capt. Kapoor emphasised that sanctions exposure can arise through relationships involving owners, managers, vessels and other maritime service providers. He urged RPSLs to conduct comprehensive KYC and due diligence covering beneficial ownership, IMO numbers, flags, trading histories, classification societies and P&I clubs. Changing a vessel’s flag or ownership, he cautioned, does not necessarily remove sanctions exposure where the vessel or its IMO number remains connected to a designated entity. “Sanctions have become a global compliance issue, affecting not only shipowners but every service provider in the maritime supply chain, including RPSL companies that increasingly need to exercise comprehensive due diligence.” Capt. Kapoor said.
The discussion also examined practical consequences for Indian seafarers, including difficulties with crew deployment, visas, flights, banking, salary payments and contractual obligations. Speakers stressed that sanctions checks should be conducted before and during voyages and documented appropriately. They also cautioned that masters and seafarers should not automatically be treated as criminals without evidence of criminal intent.
The webinar ultimately reinforced a central message: in an increasingly sanctions-driven maritime environment, robust due diligence, continuous monitoring and clear contractual safeguards are becoming essential not only to protect insurance and commercial interests, but also to safeguard the careers and welfare of Indian seafarers.
Marex Media