BV Pulls Out of Iran

International ship classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) halts Iran marine work

According to Reuters, France's Bureau Veritas, which verifies the safety and environmental standards of ships, has stopped its marine work in Iran, the classification society said in a new setback for Tehran as it faces growing pressure from Western sanctions.

Without the necessary verification from such bodies, ships are unable to call at international ports. The move follows a similar decision in April by British classification society Lloyd's Register to halt operations in Iran.

It is likely that Iran is already securing cover from Asia-based classification societies, shipping industry sources told Reuters.