New IMO Shipping Regulations take effect from 1 January 2026

Global shipping enters a new regulatory phase as multiple International Maritime Organization (IMO) amendments come into force.

A wide-ranging package of amendments to major International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and codes officially entered into force on 1 January 2026, introducing new requirements aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare, ship safety, environmental protection, and navigational risk management.

The new measures apply across several IMO instruments, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, STCW-F, the Polar Code, IMDG Code, IGF Code, and related safety codes, reflecting evolving operational and safety needs of the global maritime sector.

Mandatory Training to Address Bullying and Harassment at Sea

Amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code introduce compulsory training requirements focused on preventing and responding to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual assault onboard ships.

Integrated into Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code, the changes establish minimum competence standards under basic safety training. Seafarers are now required to receive instruction on recognizing, preventing, and appropriately responding to incidents of violence and harassment in the maritime workplace.

Updated Training Standards for Fishing Vessel Personnel

Revised provisions under the STCW-F Convention, along with the newly established mandatory STCW-F Code, also entered into force on 1 January 2026. These changes follow a comprehensive review to align training and certification requirements with modern fishing industry operations.

The amendments introduce harmonized qualification standards and define minimum competence levels for fishing vessel personnel. Part A of the STCW-F Code sets mandatory technical standards, while Part B provides guidance to support consistent global implementation.

Compulsory Reporting of Lost Containers

New amendments to both MARPOL and SOLAS make the reporting of lost freight containers mandatory. Containers lost at sea pose serious risks to navigation safety and the marine environment.

Under SOLAS Chapter V, shipmasters must now report container losses to nearby vessels, the nearest coastal State, and the flag State. Flag States are required to forward these reports to IMO, with specified information including the vessel’s position and the number of containers lost.

New Safety Rules for Lifting Appliances and Anchor Handling Winches

A new SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 establishes comprehensive requirements covering the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.

Implementation is supported by IMO guidelines issued under MSC.1/Circ.1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663, providing technical direction for shipowners and operators.

Stricter Controls on Oil Fuel Flashpoint Compliance

Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 strengthen measures to prevent the use of oil fuel with a flashpoint below the required 60°C. Ships must now receive a certified declaration from fuel suppliers confirming compliance before bunkering.

The changes are intended to reduce ignition risks and enhance fire safety onboard ships using oil fuel.

Safety measures for non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters – Polar Code and SOLAS

Amendments to the Polar Code, together with associated amendments to the SOLAS Convention, extend the requirements concerning safety of navigation and voyage planning to fishing vessels of 24 m in length overall and above, pleasure yachts of 300 GT and above not engaged in trade and cargo ships of 300 GT and above but below 500 GT, operating in polar waters.

Enhanced Inspection Oversight Under the ESP Code

Updates to the 2011 Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) Code clarify the responsibilities of Administrations regarding firms conducting hull thickness measurements on bulk carriers and oil tankers, including requirements for administrative audits.

Electronic Inclinometers Required on New Ships

Amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/19 require new containerships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT and above, constructed on or after 1 January 2026, to be equipped with electronic inclinometers or equivalent systems to monitor and record ship roll motion.

PFOS Fire-Extinguishing Media Banned

SOLAS Chapter II-2 amendments prohibit the use or storage of fire-extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) due to health and environmental concerns. The ban applies to new ships from 2026, with existing vessels required to comply by their first survey after that date.

Improved Fire Safety for Vehicle and Ro-Ro Spaces

New SOLAS fire protection requirements introduce fixed fire detection systems, continuous video monitoring, and enhanced fire patrols in vehicle, special category, and ro-ro spaces. Related updates to the FSS Code support system design and installation standards.

IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 Enters into Force

The revised International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, incorporating Amendment 42-24, is now mandatory for all ships carrying dangerous goods in packaged form.

Additional Safety Code Amendments

Other regulatory updates entering into force include:

• Amendments to the Grain Code introducing new loading conditions
• Safety enhancements under the IGF Code for ships using low-flashpoint fuels
• Approval of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service under the IGC and IGF Codes
• New ventilation standards for enclosed lifeboats under the LSA Code (effective from 2029)
• Updated ECDIS performance standards, enabling phased adoption of new IHO digital chart products

A Broader Push for Safer and More Sustainable Shipping

The package of amendments effective from 1 January 2026 reflects IMO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen operational safety, environmental protection, human element standards, and technological modernization across the global maritime industry.

Source: International Maritime Organization (IMO)