- IMO Adopts New Grain Code Regulations, Effective January 2026.
- New Loading Conditions Introduced for Bulk Grain Transport.
- Grain Code Updates to Impact Both New and Existing Ships.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has published guidance on soon-to-be-effective amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (Grain Code). These amendments, adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), will be effective from 1 January 2026, reports ABS
New Amendments Adopted by IMO
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) took resolution MSC.552(108) during its 108th session in May 2024. The amendments add a new class of loading conditions to particular grain compartments and change assumptions in calculations within Part B of the Grain Code.
Introduction of a New Class of Loading Conditions
A new category of “specially suitable compartments” has been established. They are filled partially in line with the hatch opening, untrimmed on ends, and filled up to a height equal to or greater than the bottom edge of hatch end beams. Under regulation A/10.4 of the Grain Code, the bulk grain in these compartments should be at or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams but may be resting at its natural angle of repose outside the hatch opening.
Once loaded, only the surface of free grain in the way of the hatch opening needs to be level. A compartment can be considered for this category if it complies with the requirements specified in regulation A/2.7 of the Grain Code, so dispensation from trimming the ends is granted.
Amendments to Calculation Assumptions
The Part B amendments of the Grain Code revise calculation assumptions regarding the assumed slope of cargo in partially loaded compartments and the assumed volumetric heeling moment where ends are not trimmed. These changes offer advice for calculating stability factors for ships that transport grain.
Implementation Timeline
The amendments will come into operation on 1 January 2026 and will apply to new and existing ships carrying bulk grain under these newly established conditions.
Requirements for Ship Operators
Vessels carrying grain under the revised Grain Code regulations have the responsibility of updating their grain loading stability manual to include the amendments. The updated manual should be tendered for approval by the ship’s Flag Administration or a Recognized Organization (RO). As a substitute, an addendum to the current approved grain loading stability manual should be compiled and tendered in place.
The grain-loading computer must also be updated to comply with the amendments. Once modified, the system must be submitted for approval to the ship’s Flag Administration or a Recognized Organization.
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Source: ABS
