China’s Qingdao port cracks down on high-risk tankers after US terminal sanction
- Four key oil terminals to roll out a ‘high‑quality vessel scoring system’ from November 1, tightening controls on tankers deemed risky
- Rules include outright bans on old, accident-prone, or uncertified ships, with penalties for shadow fleet practices
- Move follows US sanctions on a terminal in Qingdao, raising industry speculation the clampdown is sanctions-related
New vessel rules target ageing and accident-prone tankers, a shift that could squeeze the shadow fleet moving sanctioned oil
