Maritime

California Air Resources Board Extends OGV In-Transit Regulation Survey Deadline To 30 April 2026

CARB has extended the deadline for its stakeholder survey on a potential Ocean-Going Vessels (OGV) in-transit regulation, with responses now accepted until 30 April 2026. This gives shipping and port stakeholders additional time to influence how CARB structures future engagement and ultimately designs measures to cut NOx, PM, SOx and greenhouse gas emissions from vessels transiting California waters.

10 Apr 2026, 15:09content.govdelivery.comUnited States

UK Extends Emissions Trading Scheme to Domestic Maritime Activities From July 2026

From 1 July 2026, the UK extends its Emissions Trading Scheme to cover greenhouse gas emissions from large domestic maritime activities, requiring operators of ships ≥5,000 GT calling at UK ports to monitor, verify and report CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O emissions and to surrender UK ETS allowances against them.[^1^](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/392/pdfs/uksi_20260392_en.pdf) This creates a new carbon‑cost and compliance regime for UK‑linked shipping, meaning maritime operators must quickly establish monitoring plans, data systems and allowance strategies ahead of first reporting in March 2027 and the initial surrender deadline in April 2028.[^1^](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/392/pdfs/uksi_20260392_en.pdf)

10 Apr 2026, 10:44legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

New York Senate Bill S9698 Proposes Ban on Vessel Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

New York Senate Bill S9698 proposes a comprehensive ban on the sale and operation of vessel exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) within state waters. Maritime operators and equipment manufacturers must prepare for strict discharge prohibitions and potential liability for environmental cleanup, signaling a shift toward low-sulfur fuels over abatement technology in the region.

6 Apr 2026, 16:52nysenate.govUnited States

Lithuania Ratifies Hong Kong Convention on Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships

Lithuania has ratified the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling, with mandatory compliance for shipowners and recycling facilities starting three months after the formal deposit of ratification. Operators must ensure robust Inventories of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and align recycling operations with international standards for managing substances like asbestos and PCBs.

6 Apr 2026, 16:21e-tar.ltLithuania

US House Introduces American LNG First Act of 2026 (H.R. 8020) on LNG Coastwise Exemptions

A new US House bill (H.R. 8020) proposes exempting LNG transport vessels from traditional coastwise endorsement requirements to facilitate domestic methane shipments. This shift would broaden the eligible fleet for US coastal trade, potentially reducing transport bottlenecks and influencing long-term energy infrastructure and chartering strategies.

5 Apr 2026, 19:47govinfo.govUnited States

Netherlands Issues Scoping Note and Participation Plan for North Sea Programme 2028–2033

The Dutch government has launched the formal development of the North Sea Programme 2028–2033, initiating a six-week public consultation on the scoping and participation framework. This programme will establish the long-term spatial and environmental rules for the North Sea, shaping future permitting requirements and operational constraints for maritime, energy, and coastal industries.

3 Apr 2026, 18:18rijksoverheid.nlNetherlands

IMO Facilitation Committee Approves Maritime Digitalization Strategy and Draft FAL Convention Cybersecurity Amendments

The IMO has approved a new Maritime Digitalization Strategy and draft FAL Convention amendments mandating cybersecurity for maritime single window systems, effective from 2028-2029. These developments signal a transition toward mandatory, secure digital reporting and standardized data exchange, requiring maritime operators to upgrade digital infrastructure and compliance protocols.

3 Apr 2026, 09:54imo.orgGlobal

Japan Cabinet Adopts Comprehensive Logistics Policy Outline for FY2026–FY2030

Japan has approved a five-year Comprehensive Logistics Policy Outline (FY2026–2030) to drive intensive reform through automation, standardization, and green transformation. Businesses should prepare for structural shifts in transport costs and operational standards as the government prioritizes labor efficiency, decarbonized supply chains, and digital logistics infrastructure.

1 Apr 2026, 19:50meti.go.jpJapan

EU Council Amends Iran Sanctions Annexes On Dual-Use, Petrochemical And LNG Goods

The EU has updated the lists of restricted dual-use, petrochemical, and energy-related goods under the Iran sanctions regime, effective April 2026. Businesses must immediately refresh trade compliance screening and licensing protocols for chemicals, LNG, and industrial equipment to align with the revised Annexes.

1 Apr 2026, 19:28eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Norwegian Environment Agency Updates Guidance on Waste Handling in Ports

The Norwegian Environment Agency has issued updated guidance on port waste handling to align with the Pollution Control Regulations as of March 2026. With enforcement prioritized for larger ports in 2026, operators must ensure waste reception plans and fee structures are fully compliant to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

31 Mar 2026, 18:57miljodirektoratet.noNorway

Belgium (Wallonia) Amends Port State Control Order To Implement EU Directive 2024/3099

Wallonia has updated its port state control framework to implement EU Directive 2024/3099, effective as of March 2026. Maritime operators must prepare for expanded inspection scopes and mandatory reporting of safety or environmental anomalies across a broader range of international conventions.

29 Mar 2026, 17:46eur-lex.europa.euBelgium

Netherlands: NEa Publishes 2024 Renewable Energy for Transport Compliance Report

The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) has confirmed full compliance by fuel suppliers with 2024 renewable energy and GHG reduction targets, despite a significant increase in the annual obligation to 28.4%. Companies should prepare for the transition from the HBE system to emission-reduction units (ERE) in 2026, alongside heightened regulatory scrutiny of waste-based biofuel supply chains.

29 Mar 2026, 17:20zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

US OSHA Seeks Comment on Asbestos in Shipyards Standard Information Collection

OSHA is seeking a three-year extension for information collection and recordkeeping requirements under the Asbestos in Shipyards Standard, with comments due by April 29, 2026. This administrative renewal confirms the continued enforcement of existing worker protection protocols, including exposure monitoring and medical surveillance, for maritime operations.

29 Mar 2026, 06:27federalregister.govUnited States

Dutch Council of State Opinion and Revised Draft Decree on Maritime National Single Window and Shipping Reporting Rules

The Netherlands has published a revised draft decree to establish a Maritime National Single Window, streamlining ship reporting and implementing EU maritime data regulations. Maritime operators should prepare for centralized electronic reporting requirements and updated notification duties for hazardous cargoes, aimed at reducing administrative burdens and improving vessel traffic monitoring.

28 Mar 2026, 20:32officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) (Amendment) Order 2026

The UK is extending mandatory accident reporting and investigation duties to all mechanically powered watercraft starting April 17, 2026. Businesses operating watercraft fleets must align their safety protocols with merchant shipping standards to manage increased liability and compliance risks during maritime incidents.

28 Mar 2026, 20:26legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Parliament Introduces Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill

The UK Parliament has introduced the Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill to strengthen legal protections for seals, whales, and dolphins under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. While specific text is pending, marine operators and fisheries should prepare for potentially stricter enforcement and licensing requirements regarding activities impacting marine wildlife.

28 Mar 2026, 16:06bills.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

Belgium – Port of Antwerp-Bruges Pilots PFAS Treatment for Construction Water Discharge

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched industrial-scale pilots for PFAS removal from construction groundwater to meet tightening EU discharge standards. Successful validation of these technologies will likely set new benchmarks for industrial water treatment and project feasibility in PFAS-contaminated zones across European ports.

27 Mar 2026, 11:55breakbulk.newsEuropean UnionBelgium

Italy Adopts Law 36/2026 Delegating Implementation of Selected EU Directives (Legge Di Delegazione Europea 2025)

Italy enacted Law 36/2026 on March 25, 2026, authorizing the government to transpose major EU directives including CSDDD, the Product Liability Directive, and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Businesses should prepare for specific Italian legislative decrees that will formalize national requirements for corporate due diligence, product defect liability, and expanded waste management obligations.

27 Mar 2026, 09:09gazzettaufficiale.itItalyEuropean Union

EU Council Working Party on Shipping To Examine EU Position on IMO Amendments to MARPOL and SOLAS

EU Council is finalizing positions for upcoming IMO sessions on GHG emissions and amendments to core maritime safety and pollution conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL). Maritime operators and equipment manufacturers should prepare for updated global standards on emissions, life-saving appliances, and navigation technology.

27 Mar 2026, 07:53data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

UK Merchant Shipping: New EPIRB and PLB Registration and Radiocommunications Requirements From 15 April 2026

The UK has mandated the registration and maintenance of accurate data for emergency beacons (EPIRBs and PLBs) on all UK-flagged vessels, effective April 15, 2026. Maritime operators must implement robust equipment tracking and registration protocols to avoid vessel detention and criminal liability for non-compliance.

27 Mar 2026, 07:47legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom