Port State Control (PSC) detention trends in 2025 reveal that 425 vessels were detained out of a global ClassNK-classed fleet of 8,948 ships, according to the ClassNK Port State Control Annual Report released in June 2026. The data highlights a rising trend in detentions—up from 381 in 2024—with fire safety, ISM compliance, and vessel age emerging as the primary risk factors for shipowners and operators.
Why Are Detention Rates Rising for Younger Vessels?
While older ships remain the most vulnerable to detention, the 2025 report shows a concerning shift in younger tonnage. Vessels up to five years old saw their detention count jump to 28, up from 10 in 2024. According to ClassNK, this 1.4% detention ratio for newbuilds suggests that even modern fleets are not immune to gaps in crew familiarity and operational maintenance.
Which Ship Types and Regions Pose the Highest Risk?
Bulk carriers recorded the highest volume of detentions in 2025 with 268 cases, though reefer carriers faced the highest detention ratio at 10.9%. Geography also plays a significant role in compliance outcomes. China remained the top PSC authority for detentions, recording 139 cases involving ClassNK-classed vessels. Other high-activity zones included Australia (44 detentions) and Türkiye (32 detentions).
PSC Regime Comparison
| Regime | Inspections | Detentions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo MOU | 9,219 | 249 |
| Paris MOU | 2,305 | 91 |
| USCG | 2,156 | 11 |
What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Detention?
Fire safety remains the leading category for detainable deficiencies, accounting for 426 individual cases in 2025. According to the report, common issues include inoperable fire doors, faulty fire pumps, and neglected fire detection systems. Beyond technical hardware, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code was the most frequently cited individual detainable item, with 105 cases. This highlights a persistent gap in shore-to-ship communication, internal audits, and maintenance planning.
How Can Ship Managers Improve PSC Readiness?
ClassNK advises that effective PSC performance is not the result of last-minute preparations but rather the outcome of continuous, vessel-specific maintenance. Ship managers should prioritize:
- Risk-Based Pre-Arrival Checks: Use a vessel’s specific inspection history and trading area to tailor preparation checklists.
- Emergency System Drills: Ensure crew members are not just familiar with the equipment, but can demonstrate the operation of emergency generators and fire pumps under pressure.
- Documentation Rigor: Verify that Seafarers’ Employment Agreements and medical documentation are current, as labor compliance is increasingly scrutinized during standard PSC inspections.
- Corrosion Management: For ships over 25 years old—which recorded a 16.2% detention ratio—technical teams must focus on hatch covers, ventilators, and air pipes to prevent visible deficiencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason for ship detention?
Fire safety deficiencies are the most frequent category for detentions, followed by life-saving appliances and ISM Code failures.
Are newer ships safer from PSC detentions?
Generally, yes. Ships up to five years old have a lower detention ratio (1.4%) compared to those over 25 years old (16.2%), but the report notes a rising trend of detentions even among the youngest vessels.
How does ship age impact detention risk?
The data shows a direct correlation: as vessels age, the likelihood of detention increases. Ships over 25 years old are significantly more likely to be detained, necessitating tighter condition monitoring and proactive maintenance.
For further insights into fleet performance and to download the full 2026 report, visit the ClassNK official portal. Have you noticed a shift in PSC inspection intensity in your primary trading zones? Share your experiences in the comments below.
