Comprehensive maritime safety and compliance standards to align domestic law with international obligations.
From 1 January 2026, the United Kingdom will implement a suite of updated maritime safety and environmental obligations through its domestic legislative framework, reflecting recent amendments to international maritime law adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These changes are enacted in UK law primarily through ambulatory reference provisions within existing Merchant Shipping Regulations, meaning that the most recent IMO requirements are directly incorporated into UK obligations.
Key changes include:
- Enhanced safety standards for lifting appliances, anchor-handling winches and ship construction, including compliance with the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) for vessels constructed on or after 1 January 2026.
- Fire safety improvements, including new requirements for fire detection, fire suppression and containment, and the prohibition of perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS)-based firefighting foams under updated SOLAS Chapter II-2 provisions.
- Navigation safety enhancements, such as mandatory installation of electronic inclinometers on newly built large container ships and bulk carriers to monitor roll motion.
- Cargo and equipment standards updates, covering amendments to the International Grain Code, life-saving appliance performance, and inspector qualification criteria.
These amendments support the UK’s commitment to improving maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational compliance for Flag States, shipowners, operators, and maritime professionals.
For more details, see the UK Government’s official statement on changes to international maritime law: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/changes-to-international-maritime-law—2
Contact us for more information. RakLAW Solicitors T: 0203 345 2000 E: info@raklaw.co.uk W: www.raklaw.co.uk