What Is KYV (Know Your Vessel)?

Know Your Vessel (KYV) is the process of identifying, verifying, and understanding a vessel prior to entering into commercial contracts or operational arrangements. It extends traditional due‑diligence frameworks by focusing specifically on vessel‑level risk, reflecting the practical and regulatory realities of maritime operations.

In an increasingly complex sanctions and compliance environment, risk no longer resides solely with corporate counterparties. A vessel’s identity, sanctions exposure, and Port State Control (PSC) history are now critical considerations in effective maritime risk management. The Baltic Exchange KYV search enables firms to assess these vessel‑specific risks and make informed, proportionate, and defensible decisions.

Purpose of KYV

KYV is designed to:

• Assess a vessel’s compliance profile, including sanctions exposure and regulatory restrictions.
• Identify vessel‑level risk indicators arising from Port State Control history, including patterns of deficiencies, detentions, or recurring findings that may indicate systemic safety, compliance, insurance, or operational weaknesses.