SOLAS amendments 2026: what entered into force on 1 January, and what comes next

The regulation covers lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and the loose gear used with them. It does not apply to lifting appliances on MODUs, on offshore construction ships that meet standards acceptable to the Administration, to hatch-cover opening gear, or to LSA Code launching appliances. The Administration decides how far it applies below 1,000 kg safe working load.

• Installed on or after 1 January 2026: lifting appliances are designed, built and installed to the rules of a recognized classification society (or an equivalent standard), load tested and thoroughly examined before first use and after major repair or alteration, and permanently marked with documented SWL. Anchor handling winches are designed, built, installed and tested to the Administration’s satisfaction, based on IMO guidelines.
• Installed before 1 January 2026: lifting appliances are tested and thoroughly examined and given their SWL marking, and anchor handling winches tested and thoroughly examined, no later than the first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026.
• All, whatever the installation date: operationally tested, thoroughly examined, inspected, operated and maintained under IMO’s guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1663 for lifting appliances, MSC.1/Circ.1662 for anchor handling winches).

A malfunction is not in itself treated as making the ship unseaworthy or a reason to delay it in port, provided the master has taken the inoperative equipment into account in planning and executing a safe voyage.

Source: IMO, resolution MSC.532(107), regulation II-1/3-13; read on 13 November 2026. Paraphrased; the SOLAS text is authoritative.

• Lost containers: the master of a ship involved in a container loss reports it to ships nearby, the nearest coastal State and the flag State (which tells IMO), giving particulars such as position and the number of containers. MARPOL Protocol I now points to the same SOLAS reports.
• Flashpoint: before bunkering, the ship receives a declaration signed and certified by the supplier’s representative that the oil fuel meets the 60°C flashpoint requirement, with the test method used.
• PFOS: use or storage of extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid is prohibited; removed media go to shore reception facilities.
• Inclinometers: new containerships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT and upwards carry an electronic inclinometer, or other means, to determine, display and record roll motion. IMO says this should not apply to ships only occasionally carrying bulk cargo or to general cargo ships carrying containers on deck.
• Vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces: a fixed fire detection and alarm system, an efficient fire patrol in special category spaces, and video monitoring covering the whole space, with cameras high enough to see over cargo and vehicles.

Sources: IMO, press briefing, 9 January 2026 and resolution MSC.532(107); read on 13 November 2026.

• STCW Code table A-VI/1-4: new mandatory basic training on preventing and responding to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault (see the STCW review).
• IMDG Code amendment 42-24, for all ships carrying dangerous goods in packaged form.
• IGF Code: pump suction wells, safety relief valve discharge, fuel preparation rooms, structural fire protection and hazardous zones; and, with the IGC Code, high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service.
• LSA Code: ventilation for totally enclosed lifeboats installed on or after 1 January 2029.
• ESP Code (thickness measurement firms), Grain Code (a new class of loading conditions for special compartments), HSC Codes (PFOS ban), and the STCW-F Convention and new STCW-F Code for fishing vessel personnel.
• ECDIS: revised performance standards (MSC.530(106)/Rev.1) phase in IHO S-100 / S-101 / S-98, voluntary for new installations from 1 January 2026 and required for all new installations from 1 January 2029.

Source: IMO, press briefing, 9 January 2026; read on 13 November 2026.