The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has introduced several updates to their shipping regulations in 2025, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency within the maritime industry. These changes to the IMO shipping regulations encompass emission control areas, ship recycling conventions, ballast water management, digital bunkering, and mandatory reporting of lost containers.
1. Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area (ECA) Designation
Effective from May 1, 2025, the Mediterranean Sea has been designated as an Emission Control Area (ECA) under IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 14. This designation imposes stricter limits on sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions for vessels operating in the region. Ships must use fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% m/m or install an approved exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) to comply with these regulations.
2. Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling
On June 26, 2025, the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (Hong Kong Convention) will enter into force. This convention sets comprehensive standards for the recycling of ships, aiming to protect human health, safety, and the environment. It requires ships over 500 GT engaged in international voyages to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials and mandates that recycling facilities comply with stringent safety and environmental standards.
3. Enhanced Ballast Water Management Regulations
As of February 2025, amendments to Appendix II of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention concerning the Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) came into effect. These amendments aim to standardise and clarify the information recorded in the BWRB, enhancing transparency and compliance. Shipowners and operators are advised to ensure that their vessels maintain the updated BWRB format and adhere to the revised record-keeping standards.
4. Digitalisation of Bunkering Operations in Singapore
Beginning April 1, 2025, Singapore became the first port globally to implement digital bunkering at scale. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) mandated that all bunker suppliers provide digital bunkering services and issue electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (e-BDNs) as the default standard. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and safety in bunkering operations, reducing the risk of fraud and streamlining data exchange between buyers and sellers.
5. Mandatory Reporting of Lost Containers
Starting January 1, 2026, amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) will require mandatory reporting of all containers lost at sea. This regulation aims to enhance navigational safety, facilitate swift response actions, and mitigate potential environmental hazards associated with lost containers. Shipmasters must promptly report specific details of lost containers to nearby vessels, coastal states, and flag states.
6. Arctic Shipping Fuel Regulations and Environmental Concerns
New shipping fuel regulations in the Arctic, aimed at reducing pollution, have raised concerns about potential environmental risks. Ships in Arctic waters are now prohibited from using or carrying heavy bunker fuel oil (HFO). Many shippers are expected to switch to very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), which tends to form clumps in cold water conditions, potentially complicating oil spill response efforts. Environmental groups caution that this transition could lead to worse environmental impacts in the event of spills.
7. Progress Towards a Global Carbon Tax on Shipping Emissions
Nations are negotiating what could become the first global carbon tax on shipping emissions, coordinated through the IMO. The IMO is advocating for mandatory regulations to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector by around 2050. Proposed measures include a carbon pricing mechanism and a marine fuel standard to incentivise the shift to cleaner fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. Over 60 countries support a flat fee per ton of emissions, aiming to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The IMO’s 2025 regulatory updates reflect a concerted effort to enhance environmental protection, safety, and operational efficiency in global shipping. Maritime stakeholders must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure compliance and contribute to the industry’s sustainable development.
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