Need to know: Why Port State Control matters for shipowners
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Smarter access to Port State Control data can help shipowners avoid detentions, protect their reputations, build resilience, and ultimately keep sailing profitably, safely, and sustainably. Here, Tor Håkon Svanes, Product Manager, outlines how the right information can prove invaluable for your business.
Port State Control (PSC) detentions aren’t just inconvenient; they can be highly challenging for shipowners, with ramifications that extend far further and last far longer than may be immediately obvious.
The full figures for 2025 are yet to be published, but looking at provisional Paris and Tokyo MoU monthly data for July to December reveals that around 2.55% of all vessels inspected are detained. Detention length varies depending on the issues identified and the remedial action required (e.g. ordering and fitting new parts) but can typically last between one and seven days.
Paying the penalty
The costs fall into the ‘how long is a piece of string’ category, as the lost voyage revenue is entirely dependent on the vessel type and earning profile, while crew costs, port fees, and the cost of addressing deficiencies vary from case to case. But it’s not unrealistic to quote a ballpark daily figure of somewhere between USD 25,000 and 100,000.
If that’s not bad enough, the second wave may prove even more unsettling, as the effects spill over to potential charter party demurrage, higher insurance premiums, and painful reputational impacts that may influence market access and future pricing for your vessels.
Smart development
Clearly, if there’s one priority that should command the attention of every forward‑thinking shipowner in today’s competitive and safety‑driven environment, it’s avoiding detentions.
Our new NavFleet update introduces advanced PSC functionality to keep you informed, prepared, and on schedule, marking an important smart‑shipping innovation for our global users. We see this as a key offering for our valued customers.
Here's a quick run-through of why it matters and how NavFleet helps:
1) Avoiding detentions and costly delays
The IMO calls the PSC a “second line of defence” against substandard ships, with the power to delay or detain vessels until deficiencies are corrected. PSC exists specifically to verify that ships meet all relevant IMO and flag state requirements.
Shipowner takeaway
By staying informed on the very latest PSC trends, risk factors, and common deficiencies (through solutions such as the updated NavFleet), you can work proactively to reduce the likelihood of unplanned operational disruptions.
2) Reducing inspection risk through better preparedness
With the best intentions of keeping crew, cargo, and the environment safe, PSC inspections focus on safety equipment, navigation systems, pollution prevention measures, crew competence, documentation, and environmental compliance standards such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW.
Shipowner takeaway
Understanding typical PSC findings helps shipowners proactively prepare their vessels.
Insight into PSC patterns enables targeted preparations - minimising deficiencies and ensuring smoother port calls.
3) Strengthening compliance and safety culture
PSC plays a critical role in enforcing international maritime safety and pollution-prevention standards, verifying that vessels comply with global IMO conventions. This serves as an essential mechanism for safety and environmental protection.
Shipowner takeaway
Understanding PSC expectations, through access to continually updated data, supports stronger internal compliance practices, safer operations, and reduced risk of accidents or pollution incidents.
4) Protecting business reputation and market competitiveness
Detentions and repeated deficiencies in PSC reports are publicly recorded in databases used worldwide (e.g., THETIS, Equasis) and can influence a vessel’s risk profile. PSC regimes maintain automated databases and flag state “white/grey/blacklists” that determine inspection frequency and target risk levels.
Shipowner takeaway
A strong PSC record enhances customer confidence, supports insurance considerations, and reduces targeting for future inspections. A clear win-win-win.
5) Ensuring compliance with regional and global expectations
Different regions use PSC MoUs (Paris, Tokyo, USCG, etc.) to harmonise inspection practices and target substandard ships. PSC is coordinated through major regional MoUs to provide consistent standards and identify high risk vessels across regions.
Shipowner takeaway
Understanding regional PSC focus areas helps operators strengthen compliance and prepare vessels for inspections in different waters. NavFleet’s new functionality allows users to tailor data by region to support proactive safety and regulatory readiness.
6) Financial impact and risk mitigation
Non‑compliance, as already acknowledged, can be both costly and dangerous. It’s important to note that detentions are rarely caused by single minor defects but often reflect systematic failings (such as maintenance shortcomings or safety management gaps).
Shipowner takeaway
Understanding PSC expectations can be the launchpad for enhancing internal compliance practices, building safer operations, and reducing the risk of accidents or pollution incidents.
Stay informed, stay ahead
Do you want to achieve best practice and smooth port calls? With access to relevant PSC information, you can help your fleet achieve:
Risk reduction — fewer detentions and delays
Operational efficiency — easier port calls and faster turnarounds
Commercial advantage — better inspection history improves market standing
Compliance assurance — alignment with global safety and environmental rules
In short, PSC data is an essential part of modern fleet management… and that’s why we’re delighted to announce its arrival into NavFleet, the one stop platform for smarter fleet decision-making.
