AWP Web Blog

After years of discussion, delay and diplomatic drift, the global shipping industry is finally navigating a sea change. On 26 June 2025, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, the Hong Kong Convention, entered into force, ushering in a new era of accountability at the end of a vessel’s life.

Marine pilots routinely face high-risk transfers between moving ships and small boats, often in challenging conditions. A single failure in equipment or procedure can result in severe injury or loss of life.

In June 2025, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.575(110), setting out the latest amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) serves to notify the maritime industry of a misprint contained in the current version (Rev. 11-16) of CG-4602A, Oil Record Book For Ships, and to provide interim guidance until a new version of CG-4602A is published.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), through MSC.1/Circ.1331/Rev.1, has revised the following: Guidelines for the Construction, Installation, Maintenance and Inspection/Survey of Means of Embarkation and Disembarkation to bring them in line with the latest international standards and introduce clearer definitions and safety practices.

SOLAS II-2/10.11 as amended by resolution MSC.532(107) - New Requirements for Firefighting Systems

This marine notice provides guidance on using an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) to support compliance with the sulphur limit of 0.50 mass per cent concentration (m/m) in fuel oil.

The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA) has launched an interactive online tool to improve compliance with the revised SOLAS Regulation V/23. The visual poster guides all stakeholders in Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTAs), promoting safer boarding across the global fleet.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved its Interim Guidance on the Carriage of Blends of Biofuels and MARPOL Annex I Cargoes by Conventional Bunker Ships

The IMO has adopted SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13, introducing mandatory safety requirements for on-board lifting appliances. The regulation enters into force on 1 January 2026. This news provides recommendations on how to plan for the new lifting appliances regulations.