IMO 2025–2026 Regulatory Updates: What Shipowners and Technical Managers Need to Know

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues to tighten regulatory requirements in response to environmental targets, safety incidents, and operational inefficiencies observed during Port State Control (PSC) and vetting inspections.
Between 2025 and 2026, several IMO measures move from guidance into practical enforcement, directly affecting ship operations, technical management strategies, and maintenance planning.

For shipowners and technical managers, early understanding and implementation of these changes is critical to avoid PSC detentions, Class remarks, CII rating deterioration, and unplanned off-hire periods.

As of 2025, compliance is driven by the following core frameworks:

• SOLAS Convention – Safety construction, fire protection, navigation and equipment requirements [1]
• MARPOL Annex VI – Energy efficiency and air emissions control (EEXI, CII) [2]
• IMO Resolutions & Circulars – Practical guidance supporting SOLAS and MARPOL implementation [3]
• Class Society Rules (IACS Unified Interpretations) – Technical enforcement mechanisms aligned with IMO instruments [4]

These instruments form the baseline against which new 2025–2026 updates build.

Although the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) entered into force in 2023, 2025 marks the first real enforcement phase.

Key developments include:

• Increased scrutiny during PSC inspections for vessels rated D for three consecutive years or E for one year [2]
• Mandatory corrective action plans becoming non-negotiable operational documents
• Growing pressure from charterers and oil majors linking CII ratings to commercial eligibility

Technical implication:
Engine condition, automation tuning, hull condition, and auxiliary systems now have a direct regulatory impact, not just commercial relevance.

IMO has clarified that EEXI compliance is not a one time certification exercise.

Authorities and Class now verify:

• Actual engine power limitation settings
• Control system integrity (tamper-proof arrangements)
• Consistency between approved technical files and onboard condition [2,5]

Temporary or cosmetic modifications increasingly trigger Class remarks during annual surveys.

Following several high-profile engine room fire incidents, IMO has reinforced expectations around:

• Electrical panel arrangement and cable management
• Fire detection and alarm reliability
• Condition of fire dampers, quick-closing valves, and remote shutdown systems

These areas are frequently referenced under SOLAS II-2 during PSC inspections [1].

IMO’s Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee continues to emphasize:

• Maintenance records consistency
• Crew familiarity with critical safety equipment
• Alignment between SMS procedures and actual onboard practices [6]

Deficiencies increasingly arise not from missing equipment, but from poor documentation and inconsistent maintenance evidence.

From 2025 onwards, inspectors are less tolerant of:

• Deferred deficiencies repeatedly carried forward
• Temporary repairs without permanent follow-up
• SMS procedures that are not reflected in real onboard practices

The trend is clear; technical condition, documentation, and crew awareness are evaluated as a single system, not separate items.

Based on recent inspections and Class feedback, the following actions are recommended:

• Conduct pre-PSC and pre Special Survey technical inspections,
• Address CII and EEXI related technical deficiencies proactively,
• Verify electrical, automation, and fire safety systems beyond minimum Class scope,
• Align onboard practices with SMS documentation,
• Rectify known issues through permanent, class-acceptable solutions rather than temporary fixes.

At RMS Ship Repair, our teams consist of former Chief Engineers and Technical Superintendents who understand IMO requirements not only from a regulatory standpoint, but from real operational experience.

We support shipowners and managers with:

• IMO compliance-focused inspections,
• Afloat repairs and technical modifications,
• Pre-docking condition assessments,
• Class and PSC-oriented rectification strategies.

On Time, On Site, On Your Side.

[1] IMO – SOLAS Convention, consolidated edition (as amended)
[2] IMO – MARPOL Annex VI: Regulations on Energy Efficiency for Ships (EEXI & CII)
[3] IMO Circulars and Resolutions related to implementation of MARPOL and SOLAS requirements
[4] IACS – Unified Interpretations and Recommendations
[5] IMO MEPC Resolutions related to EEXI technical file verification
[6] IMO HTW Sub-Committee outcomes on Human Element and maintenance documentation