Vessels Face New IMO Lifting Appliance Compliance Starting 2026

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Mfame Editor
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  • Annual examinations and 5-year load testing have been made mandatory.
  • Non-certified appliances before 2026 may be covered by factual statements.
  • DNV launches new IMO survey service with electronic cargo gear book.

The IMO has officially adopted SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13, which brings in new mandatory safety requirements for lifting appliances used on board ships. This regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2026, and it applies to vessels that hold a safety construction certificate (CCC, CSSC, or PSSC), reports DNV.

Key Requirements for Compliance

When it comes to lifting appliances, like cranes, movable decks, and ramps used for lifting cargo, they must:

  1. Be designed, built, and certified in line with the rules of a recognised class society or equivalent standards (any non-certified appliances installed before January 1, 2026, might be covered by a Factual Statement).
  2. Go through annual examinations and load testing every five years, along with extra checks after any major repairs.
  3. Be regularly inspected and maintained.

DNV Survey and Certification Services

To help ensure compliance, DNV has rolled out a new IMO survey and certification service. This includes an electronic IMO cargo gear book that keeps track of compliance with both IMO and ILO152 requirements.

Newbuildings Delivered After 1 January 2026

Starting from January 1, 2026, all lifting appliances must meet the new IMO requirements upon delivery, no matter when the contract was signed. An IMO electronic cargo gear book will be provided at the time of delivery. DNV won’t issue a safety construction certificate unless the lifting appliances are in line with the regulations.

Retrofit Installations After 1 January 2026

For any new lifting appliances installed on or after January 1, 2026, compliance with the regulations is a must. Retrofits will also require the implementation of the IMO cargo gear book. Safety construction certificates will not be issued or endorsed if the appliances don’t have the necessary certification.

Periodical Surveys for Existing Fleet

The transition will take effect during the first class renewal survey after January 1, 2026. Surveys and tests will now go beyond ILO152, covering provision cranes, engine room cranes, and other lifting appliances, in addition to cargo-handling gear. Lifeboat davits and launching appliances are excluded unless they serve dual purposes. The new IMO cargo gear book will gradually take the place of the current ILO152 book in DNV’s Fleet Status portal.

Harmonised Surveys for Efficiency

  1. After load testing and examinations, certificates will be issued to confirm compliance.
  2. To streamline vessel visits and support docking schedules, surveys will be synchronised with annual and renewal class surveys.
  3. The new regulation also includes anchor handling winches, with more guidance to come.

Recommendations for Owners and Operators

  1. Keep track of your progress in the Compliance Planner found in the Fleet Status portal.
  2. If any missing appliances are noticed, report them under the current ILO/OLA scheme via DATE so they can be included in the new IMO scheme.
  3. When ordering new appliances, make sure they have class-approved designs and SOLAS-compliant certifications.
  4. Get ready for the first renewal survey after January 1, 2026, as the requirements will be available in the Fleet Status portal linked to the main class survey windows.

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Source: DNV