Regulatory
Trends and Impact
2023
An overview of upcoming international and regional regulatory developments
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The expansive reach of the maritime industry has many facets, but it is unified by several beliefs — the well-being of seafarers is paramount, vessels should operate safely and efficiently and good stewardship of the environment is a duty belonging to all.
Through both international agreements and local governance, the nations of the world come together to give effect to these beliefs in the form of maritime regulations and guidelines. Staying informed on regulatory developments is key for vessel operators to maintain compliance, avoid penalties and keep their businesses running smoothly.
provides a summary of the latest regulatory efforts under development at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), highlighting the key topics championed by the organization to improve the safety, efficiency and technological leadership of the maritime industry.
Regulatory Trends and Impact: 2023
Strategy for GHG Reduction and Mid-Term Measures
Key Developments
Developing Guidance for Alternative Fuels
Regulatory Pathway for Autonomous Shipping
EU Fit for 55 — Cap-and-Trade Emissions System
U.S. and China Policies on Emissions and Cold-Ironing When at Berth
Panama Canal Green Route Plan 2050
From reductions in the carbon intensity of shipping, to the use of future fuels and autonomous ship capabilities, the IMO continues to pursue a unified consensus on the direction of shipping in the remainder of this century.
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Regulatory Trends and Impact: 2023 also provides a summary of key regulatory developments at the regional level, as countries take steps to support the goals of the IMO or to impose local requirements that support their own national interests. These regional developments are often testbeds for finding solutions that can have global applications in the future but must be accounted for in vessel operations today.
These key national and international developments are current as of autumn 2023 and ABS will continue to monitor any changes and provide updated guidance that will help you to navigate the regulatory landscape in the years ahead.
Hover to learn more about which regions are discussed in Regulatory Trends and Impact: 2023
European Union
United Kingdom
United States
China
Australia
Canada
Singapore
India
Panama
Regulatory Overview
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2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Adopted by IMO
Ongoing Discussion
Environmental Protection
Revision of Initial IMO GHG Strategy
LCA Guidelines
Life-cycle GHG/Carbon Intensity Guidelines
30 June 2023
Interim Guidelines for LPG as Fuel
Maritime Safety
Environmental Protection
Maritime Safety
1 July 2024
NEW SOLAS XV
Industrial personnel and new IP Code
1 May 2024
MARPOL Annex VI
• Bunker
delivery note
information
• Mediterranean
SOx ECA
• Information included in
Fuel Oil Consumption
Reporting
Environmental Protection
Maritime Safety
Interim Guidelines for ships using hydrogen, ammonia and low-flashpoint oil fuels between 52° C and 60° C, covering fossil fuels, synthetic fuels, biofuels and any mixture thereof
GHG mid-term measures
Environmental Protection
Maritime Safety
1 January 2026
SOLAS Chapter V
Electronic inclinometers on containerships and bulk carriers
BWM
• Ports with
Challenging
Water Quality
• Temporary Storage of
Treated Sewage/Gray
Water in Ballast Tanks
Maritime Safety
GBS MASS Code development
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With an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, it is important to stay informed of the latest regulatory developments both globally and regionally. Explore ABS Regulatory News for the most recent guidance and keep up-to-date with future regulations by subscribing to our regulatory newsletter.
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