2026 brings several important regulatory changes affecting international shipping, with amendments involving SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and mandatory IMO Codes entering into force at different points during the year.
Not every amendment applies to every ship. Owners, managers and seafarers should therefore identify the requirements relevant to their vessel type, trade and operations and ensure that implementation is reflected onboard.
1. Mandatory Reporting of Containers Lost at Sea
From 1 January 2026, amendments to SOLAS and MARPOL introduce mandatory reporting requirements for freight containers lost at sea.
Masters should be familiar with the applicable reporting requirements and ensure relevant shipboard procedures reflect the new obligations.
2. STCW Training on Violence and Harassment
Amendments to the STCW Code introduce mandatory minimum training provisions addressing the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
The changes apply from 1 January 2026 and strengthen the human-element and welfare aspects of seafarer training.
3. Enhanced Fire Safety for Vehicle and Ro-Ro Spaces
New SOLAS requirements strengthen fire safety arrangements for applicable vehicle, special-category and ro-ro spaces.
The amendments include enhanced requirements concerning fire detection and alarm systems, fire patrols and video monitoring.
4. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24
Amendment 42-24 to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code became mandatory from 1 January 2026.
Ships carrying dangerous goods in packaged form should ensure applicable documentation, procedures and operational practices reflect the mandatory edition.
5. New MARPOL Emission Control Areas
Amendments designating the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas took effect on 1 March 2026 for applicable requirements concerning nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter.
Owners and managers operating vessels in these areas should ensure the applicable MARPOL requirements are understood and incorporated into vessel operations.
6. IGC Code Amendments
Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk became effective on 1 July 2026.
Operators of applicable gas carriers should identify the requirements relevant to their vessels and ensure procedures and arrangements remain compliant.
7. NOx Technical Code Amendments
Amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008 became effective on 1 September 2026 and address certification of certain substantially modified marine diesel engines.
WAN Insight
Regulatory compliance is not a one-time exercise. Changes to SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and mandatory IMO Codes can affect vessel procedures, equipment, documentation, training and day-to-day shipboard operations.
Owners, managers and seafarers should identify which amendments apply to their particular vessel and ensure implementation is reflected onboard — not only in company circulars.
Disclaimer: This article provides general maritime information only. Applicability must be checked against official IMO instruments, Flag State requirements, Class requirements and any other applicable requirements relevant to the vessel and its operations.