The International Maritime Organization has introduced new mandatory safety requirements for anchor handling winches and related equipment under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13. These rules will enter into force on 1 January 2026 and apply to both newbuildings and existing vessels.
The regulation targets vessels that handle anchors for offshore units and subsea installations. It does not apply to a vessel’s own anchoring system.
Scope of Application
The new requirements apply to vessels holding a valid safety construction certificate. This includes ships with the capability to install, move, or recover offshore anchors, such as anchor handling tugs and offshore service vessels.
Importantly, the rules focus on anchor handling equipment used for offshore operations, not conventional ship anchoring arrangements.
Core Technical Requirements
To comply with the regulation, anchor handling winches and associated equipment must meet three key conditions:
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First, designers and builders must construct and install the equipment in line with class rules or equivalent standards. Equipment installed before 1 January 2026 may remain uncertified if supported by a factual statement.
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Second, operators must subject the equipment to annual and five-yearly testing, supported by thorough examinations. When repairs or modifications occur, additional tests may be required.
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Third, ship operators must carry out regular inspection and maintenance throughout the equipment’s service life.
These requirements apply at delivery, after new installations, or at the first renewal survey completed after 1 January 2026.
Newbuildings Delivered from 2026
For vessels delivered on or after 1 January 2026, anchor handling winches must comply with the new IMO regulation from the outset.
In addition, newbuildings with keels laid before 2026 may still fall under the updated regime if the anchor handling equipment holds class certification aligned with offshore service vessel notations.
Installation of New Equipment on Existing Vessels
Any anchor handling winch installed on board from 1 January 2026 onward must receive certification confirming compliance with the new rules. This applies regardless of vessel age.
As a result, shipowners must ensure design approval and certification before installation.
Transition for the Existing Fleet
For vessels already in service, the new regime will normally apply at the first class renewal survey completed after 1 January 2026.
Shipowners will receive a formal notification requesting documentation for anchor handling equipment. Compliance records will then appear in the vessel’s digital certification status, alongside survey schedules linked to the renewal window.
If inspectors identify deficiencies, they will record these as remarks. Depending on severity, the equipment may face restricted use. However, such findings will not automatically suspend the vessel or invalidate statutory certificates.
Harmonised Survey Approach
To reduce disruption, the new anchor handling surveys align with existing class and statutory surveys. As a result, surveyors can combine inspections with annual or renewal class surveys.
This approach helps limit vessel visits, supports efficient testing, and allows operators to plan repairs around scheduled dockings.
Related Regulatory Developments
The same SOLAS regulation also introduces requirements for lifting appliances. Authorities have addressed those provisions separately under a different circular.
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Source: DNV
