Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement Inc. reported significant improvement in the performance of Port State Control (PSC) inspections in its latest report. The company, operating 33 dry bulk vessels, announced that the PSC deficiency performance index has decreased from 2.40 in 2025 to 1.4 in September 2026. Additionally, the absence of any PSC detentions in 2026 to date, compared to four detentions in 2025, is noteworthy.
Integrated Approach to Performance Improvement
Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement Inc. has integrated a combination of crew assessments, technical preparedness, and fleet-level learning with the PSC RiskIQ RightShip risk system to improve PSC performance. This approach helps ship and shore teams identify potential weaknesses and make necessary preparations.
Captain Andreas Togantis, the company's HSQE and Marine Manager, emphasized that they view PSC performance as a continuous process between ship and shore, not limited to the time close to inspections. Ship teams operate based on the company's PSC guidelines and checklists, benefiting from the support of shore personnel who review the inspection process, recurring deficiencies, and individual vessel weaknesses.
Utilizing PSC RiskIQ Information
By utilizing PSC RiskIQ information, Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement Inc. can focus preparations specifically based on each port and vessel. This information allows teams to concentrate on potential weaknesses and leverage a shared perspective to direct attention to areas needing more focus.
This approach is particularly important in regions like Australia and China, where the company faces high PSC risk. Australia constitutes a major part of the fleet's trading pattern, and in China, the company takes preventive measures using third-party pre-PSC inspections during discharge operations.
Captain Togantis also stated that the company's goal is to achieve an average deficiency of below 1.0 per PSC inspection. Despite the performance improvements, the company recognizes that there is still a long way to go and is focused on developing crew skills, enhancing technical readiness, and improving company procedures.
Ultimately, Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement Inc. believes that every inspection is an opportunity for learning and strengthening preparedness for the next inspection. By combining this learning with better visibility of potential weaknesses, the company continues to advance and enhance the level of readiness in its fleet.
