The new year opens with one of the most important regulatory changes in decades. From 1 January 2026, a host of new IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL amendments officially come into force—impacting ship safety, design, operations, and environmental standards worldwide.
Safety, Equipment, and Ship Design
Electronic inclinometers required
All new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT or more must now carry electronic inclinometers under SOLAS Chapter V. These will record roll data, which can be linked to the ship’s Voyage Data Recorder (VDR).
Changes to life-saving appliances (LSA Code)
• Lifeboats and rescue boats using single fall and hook systems must include updated safety mechanisms to prevent accidental release when recovering.
• New limits have been set on the lowering speeds of survival craft using falls and winches.
• New SOLAS standards require improved adult lifejackets that can reliably turn unconscious persons face-up in water.
• Totally enclosed lifeboats must meet new ventilation standards—at least 5 m³ per person per hour for 24 hours—gradually introduced until 2029.
Lifting appliances and anchor winches
SOLAS Chapter II-1 now includes new provisions for design, inspection, and maintenance of lifting appliances and anchor-handling winches, plus clear requirements on managing equipment that is not operational.
Fire Safety and Extinguishing Systems
PFOS chemicals banned
From January 2026, firefighting media containing PFOS can no longer be used or stored on any SOLAS ship, including high-speed craft.
Fire protection improvements
• Ro-ro and vehicle decks on ships must now include upgraded smoke and heat detection, video monitoring, and better water-extinguishing systems.
• Fire protection rules for control stations and cargo control rooms have also been strengthened on ships built after this date.
Fuels, Machinery, and Environmental Rules
Oil fuel quality and safety
New amendments to SOLAS require that oil fuels must not endanger machinery integrity, ship safety, or crew health. Shipowners, managers, and fuel suppliers share the responsibility for compliance—and must report if a supplier provides non-compliant fuel (e.g., below flashpoint limits).
Navigation, Documentation, and Reporting
Container loss reporting
All ships must now report lost or sighted containers at sea immediately to improve navigational safety and environmental response.
Updated IAMSAR Manual
The search and rescue manual (Volumes II & III) now includes revised appendices, better night search guidance, and new considerations for operations near offshore wind farms.
New Port State Control procedures
Updated inspection guidelines take effect, including focus on ship security, SEEMP, and IGF Code compliance.
Training and Human Element
New STCW requirements
Mandatory lessons on preventing and responding to harassment, bullying, and sexual assault are now part of all basic and advanced training courses—strengthening onboard safety culture.
Cargoes and Dangerous Goods
IMDG Code (Amendment 42-24)
Updated requirements now apply to all ships carrying packaged dangerous goods.
Grain Code updates
New rules clarify how to calculate heeling moments for partially filled cargo spaces.
Polar and High Seas Operations
UN High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement)
A new global framework enters into force to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.
SOLAS and Polar Code updates
Non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters must meet new voyage planning and navigation standards, with transitional periods for existing vessels.
Materials and Alternative Fuels
High manganese steel approved
This new type of steel can now be used in fuel and cargo containment systems under both the IGC and IGF Codes.
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Coming Up in 2026
February 2026 – IMO PPR 13 Meeting
Governments will gather to discuss Arctic pollution control, including banning single-hulled ships and shifting toward cleaner fuels.
March 2026 – Two New Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
• Canadian Arctic ECA (NOx, SOx, PM)
• Norwegian Sea ECA (with phased Tier III and low-sulphur requirements)
Shipowners must prepare engine certification and fuel plans to comply.
July 2026 – Fuel flexibility for gas carriers
Amendments to the IGC Code will allow certain gas carriers to use toxic cargoes as fuel—with safety equivalence and flag approval.
September 2026 – Engine recertification clarified
The NOx Technical Code now requires a full Engine Emission Test Plan for engines that are modified or re-certified for different NOx tiers.
Throughout 2026 – Focused inspections
A joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) will target cargo securing and stowage practices, crew training, and heavy weather preparations.
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In summary:
2026 marks a major turning point for maritime safety, sustainability, and crew welfare. From advanced life-saving gear and stricter fire protection to tougher environmental and training standards, the global shipping industry is set for its most comprehensive upgrade in years.
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