Maritime Safety

Environment Agency Publishes 2026 To 2027 Enforcement Plan For Non-Tidal River Thames

The Environment Agency has launched its 2026-2027 enforcement plan for the non-tidal River Thames, prioritizing registration compliance, navigation safety, and the removal of unauthorized structures. Commercial operators face heightened compliance risk through intelligence-led inspections and stricter oversight of fire safety and vessel standards.

4 Apr 2026, 10:31gov.ukUnited Kingdom

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

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

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

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

Norway Havtil Inspection of Okea Draugen Construction Integrity Identifies Two Improvement Points

Norway’s offshore regulator (Havtil) has issued an inspection report on the Draugen installation, identifying critical improvement points regarding structural integrity and organizational verification. Operators should review the independence of technical roles and the maintenance of foundation pressure systems to ensure compliance with enforcement expectations for aging offshore assets.

26 Mar 2026, 19:18havtil.noNorway

Estonia Amends Regulation No. 173 on Occupational Health and Safety Requirements for Fishing Vessels

Estonia updated occupational health and safety standards for fishing vessels on February 8, 2026, mandating stricter crew accommodation and food storage protocols. Vessel operators must upgrade on-board facilities or utilize compliant base vessels to meet new hygiene and refrigeration requirements, ensuring continued operational compliance.

24 Mar 2026, 12:56riigiteataja.eeEstonia

UK Adopts Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026

The UK has adopted the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2026, effective April 10, 2026, to implement updated international maritime labour standards. Operators must provide internet connectivity in crew accommodation and meet enhanced food welfare standards, while navigating revised health and safety exemptions.

22 Mar 2026, 10:27legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Norway Tasks DSB With National Fire-Sector Risk Analysis Including Incidents Involving Chemical or Radioactive Substances

Norway has commissioned a national fire-sector risk analysis focusing on CBRNE and major accident response, with findings due by Easter 2026. This signals a shift toward enhanced emergency preparedness that may lead to stricter operational requirements for facilities handling hazardous chemical or radioactive substances.

21 Mar 2026, 18:47regjeringen.noNorway

European Commission Proposes Council Decision on EU Position for International Maritime Organization MEPC and MSC Meetings

The European Commission has proposed the EU's negotiating position for upcoming IMO meetings in April and May 2026, backing stricter maritime emission and safety standards. Businesses should prepare for the expansion of Emission Control Areas to the North-East Atlantic and tighter alignment between international MARPOL standards and EU climate regulations.

21 Mar 2026, 18:45ec.europa.euEuropean Union

New Jersey Senate Bill S4039 Proposes To Prohibit Sale And Manufacture Of Non-Approved Personal Flotation Devices

New Jersey has introduced legislation (S4039) to ban the manufacture and sale of personal flotation devices that lack US Coast Guard approval. Businesses must ensure product portfolios align with federal safety standards to mitigate compliance risk and maintain market access in the state.

19 Mar 2026, 19:20njleg.state.nj.usUnited States

Wisconsin Assembly Introduces Carbon Monoxide Detection Requirements For Motorboats (AB1106)

Wisconsin has introduced legislation (AB1106) requiring marine carbon monoxide detection systems and warning stickers for motorboats with enclosed accommodation compartments. If enacted, manufacturers and retailers must ensure new vessels meet specific UL safety standards and labeling requirements to maintain market access.

16 Mar 2026, 16:18docs.legis.wisconsin.govUnited States

IMO Adopts Revised IMSAS Framework And Plans Second Audit Cycle

The IMO has adopted a revised Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) framework, effective June 2026, ahead of a new risk-based audit cycle starting in July 2027. This shift toward continuous monitoring and data-driven oversight signals more rigorous and transparent enforcement of international maritime safety and environmental standards.

12 Mar 2026, 13:38imo.orgGlobal

US FMC Publishes Notice of World Shipping Council Agreement Amendment on Cargo Screening and Incident Databases

The US FMC has notified an amendment to the World Shipping Council Agreement, effective April 2026, authorizing carriers to implement enhanced cargo screening and shared incident databases for dangerous goods. This shift toward coordinated carrier oversight increases the risk of shipment delays and enforcement actions for shippers failing to provide accurate hazardous material declarations.

12 Mar 2026, 12:41federalregister.govUnited States

UK Adopts Merchant Shipping (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) Regulations 2026

The UK has consolidated and updated its maritime safety management regulations, effective 31 March 2026, to align with international SOLAS standards and streamline domestic compliance. Ship operators must ensure Safety Management Systems and certifications are current, noting that future international code amendments will now apply automatically to UK operations.

12 Mar 2026, 12:40legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

European Commission Prepares SMR Strategy and Backs Nuclear-Powered Shipping Work

The European Commission is developing a dedicated European Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Strategy and coordinating international standards for nuclear-powered merchant shipping. This signals a shift toward harmonized licensing and safety frameworks, creating long-term opportunities for energy-intensive industries and the maritime sector to integrate modular nuclear technology.

12 Mar 2026, 12:39europarl.europa.euEuropean UnionGlobal

Norway (Havtil) Grants Consent for Equinor’s Use of Island Wellserver

The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has granted Equinor consent to deploy the Island Wellserver vessel for light well intervention across multiple offshore fields as of March 2026. This approval facilitates sustained production and maintenance activities across a broad portfolio of Norwegian assets, reinforcing operational continuity within the region's strict offshore safety framework.

12 Mar 2026, 07:19havtil.noNorway

Spain – Valencia Port Authority Approves Conditions for LNG Bunkering Service

The Valencia Port Authority has introduced mandatory technical and environmental conditions for LNG bunkering services, effective March 10, 2026. Operators must implement digital monitoring and certified management systems by late 2026, signaling a move toward standardized and transparent alternative fuel operations in Spanish ports.

11 Mar 2026, 17:22boe.esSpain