News - Marine & Offshore

Starting January 1, 2026, several updates to international maritime safety regulations will come into force, in line with the amendments to SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) and its associated codes.

These updates are part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) four-year cycle, aimed at continuously improving safety standards in global maritime transport.

The main changes include:

• Cranes and anchor handling winches: The new SOLAS II-1/3-13 regulation requires that cranes and lifting appliances be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the rules of a recognized classification society. Anchor handling winches must comply with specific IMO guidelines. This includes retroactive requirements for testing, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all equipment and related accessories.
  
• Fire protection on ro-ro vessels: Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code introduce significant improvements to reduce fire risks. These include mandatory water monitors on open decks, structural fire protection, thermal detection systems, video surveillance and new decision support procedures.
  
• Fuel safety: Changes to SOLAS II-2/3 and II-2/4 require that the flashpoint of each fuel batch be documented prior to bunkering. This documentation can be included in the Bunker Delivery Note, in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI/18. It also establishes that fuel must not compromise ship safety, machinery performance, or crew health.
  
• Lifeboat ventilation: New requirements in the LSA Code mandate that totally enclosed lifeboats have a minimum ventilation capacity of 5 m³/h per person, reducing risks of overheating and high CO₂ concentration.

Most of these requirements apply to both new and existing ships, with specific deadlines for compliance.