2025 Maritime Regulation Updates: What Changes This Year

by Charles Hays December 20, 2025

Navigating the regulatory landscape in 2025 requires careful attention to multiple enforcement dates across environmental, safety, and cargo handling standards. Vessel operators face new emission control areas, updated cargo codes, and the long-awaited entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling. Missing these deadlines can result in port state control detentions, fines, and operational delays.

As maritime professionals know, regulatory complexity doesn't pause it compounds. Each new standard adds to operational burden, but staying informed and prepared remains the most effective strategy for avoiding costly compliance gaps.

Environmental Regulations Taking Effect

Mediterranean Emission Control Area

Starting May 1, 2025, the Mediterranean Sea became an Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulphur oxides under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14. Vessels operating in this region must now use fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% or install an exhaust gas cleaning system delivering equivalent SOx emission levels.

The practical impact affects routing, fuel procurement, and operational budgets for vessels transiting one of the world's busiest shipping corridors. Fleet managers should verify supplier contracts and confirm EGCS compliance certifications well ahead of Mediterranean voyages. Understanding flag state carriage requirements for environmental publications is equally critical; your flag administration may require specific documentation aboard.

Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Special Area Status

Effective January 1, 2025, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden became Special Areas under MARPOL Annex I. Ships of 400 GT and above are now prohibited from discharging oil or oily mixtures into the sea within these regions. Given the strategic importance of these waters for global commerce, non-compliance carries significant enforcement risk from regional port states.

This designation underscores why vessel owners must maintain current MARPOL regulatory publications aboard inspectors to verify not just compliance, but the presence of official guidance demonstrating intent to comply. Gaps in documentation create audit deficiencies even when operational practices are sound.

Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling

The Hong Kong International Convention enters into force on June 25, 2025. All ships over 500 GT must develop and maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). According to Lloyd's Register reporting on IMO legislation, compliance requires systematic documentation of hazardous materials aboard, including those in ship structure, machinery, and equipment.

Vessel owners should begin IHM development immediately if not already completed. Classification societies and regulatory publication suppliers offer guidance documents and templates to support compliance. ANS's Flag State Compliance service helps operators navigate complex carriage requirements and ensure all mandatory documentation is aboard and currently a critical safeguard against detention during regional port state inspections.

IMO Net-Zero Framework

Approved during the Marine Environment Protection Committee's 83rd session in April 2025, new regulations establish a global fuel standard requiring ships to reduce annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity using a well-to-wake calculation approach. Adoption is scheduled for October 2025, with entry into force expected in 2027. Early planning for fuel sourcing and fleet efficiency upgrades will position operators ahead of the compliance curve.

Safety and Cargo Handling Updates

IMSBC Code Mandatory Changes

Updates to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code became mandatory on January 1, 2025. Shippers must now declare the bulk density of cargo as required by SOLAS regulation XII/10. The updated code includes carriage requirements for new solid bulk cargoes and amendments to existing cargo schedules.

Cargo officers should verify that shippers provide complete documentation including bulk density values. Incomplete declarations can delay loading operations and expose vessels to port state control scrutiny. Maintaining an updated IMSBC Code reference aboard ensures officers can quickly verify compliance with new cargo schedules and respond confidently to inspector questions.

IMDG Code Amendments

Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code enter into force on January 1, 2026, though some flag states are applying them voluntarily starting January 1, 2025. Lithium batteries remain a major focus, with cells and batteries now more prominently classified under "articles containing dangerous goods, N.O.S."

Additional clarifications address marine pollutants, electric vehicles, and cargo tracking devices. Operators carrying dangerous goods should review the latest IMDG Code publications to ensure compliance with updated classification and stowage requirements. Many port state control officers prioritize IMDG compliance checks, making accurate onboard references essential for avoiding deficiencies during inspections.

For a deeper dive into dangerous goods management, ANS's guide on dangerous goods labeling provides practical context for interpreting code amendments and implementing them effectively.

Ballast Water Record Book Updates

Starting February 1, 2025, operators must use the new Ballast Water Record Book format per MEPC.369(80). The amendments enhance and clarify required formatting to improve consistency across the fleet. Electronic record books for ballast water management will be allowed from October 1, 2025, subject to flag administration approval.

This transition supports the broader maritime shift toward digital compliance management, a trend reflected in tools like ANS's SPICA LogBook , which simplifies record-keeping while ensuring accuracy and audit readiness.

Energy Efficiency Requirements

EEDI Phase 3 Expansion

All remaining vessels greater than 400 GT must comply with Phase 3 Energy Efficiency Design Index requirements effective January 1, 2025. EEDI Phase 3 requires a reduction of at least 30% compared with the initial baseline, supporting IMO decarbonization targets.

While many vessel types already met Phase 3 standards from April 2022, this deadline closes the gap for remaining ship categories. Operators should confirm their fleet's compliance status with classification societies. Regulatory publications like the consolidated SOLAS edition provide the definitive reference for energy efficiency calculations and design requirements.

FuelEU Maritime

FuelEU Maritime took effect on January 1, 2025, applying to all commercial ships greater than 5,000 GT sailing within EU waters and to and from EU ports. The regulation establishes greenhouse gas intensity limits for marine fuels, with penalties for non-compliance. Route planning and fuel procurement strategies require adjustment to meet these regional requirements alongside global IMO standards.

Operators transiting EU waters should document their compliance pathway clearly and inspectors expect to see evidence of compliance planning. Maintaining current regulatory publications and demonstrating knowledge of FuelEU requirements strengthens your compliance posture during port state control inspections.

Regional Digital Requirements

Singapore implemented mandatory digital bunkering on April 1, 2025, becoming the first port globally to do so at scale. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore requires all bunker suppliers to provide digital bunkering services and issue electronic Bunker Delivery Notes as the default standard.

Vessels calling at Singapore should confirm that bunker suppliers can deliver e-BDNs and that shipboard systems can receive and store electronic documentation properly. This regulatory shift reflects broader maritime digitalization, a transformation ANS supports through solutions like SPICA e-Navigator , which integrates operational data and regulatory compliance into a unified e-navigation platform.

Staying Compliant in a Changing Maritime Regulation Environment

The 2025 regulatory landscape reinforces a critical reality: maritime compliance is no longer a reactive checklist, it requires proactive planning, accurate documentation, and partnerships with providers who understand the nuances of evolving standards.

Vessel operators and fleet managers who stay ahead of these changes gain competitive advantages: smoother port state control inspections, reduced detention risk, and operational confidence. Missing deadlines, by contrast, creates costly disruptions and reputational damage.

How ANS Supports Your Compliance

American Nautical Services has helped maritime operators navigate regulatory complexity for nearly 50 years. Our approach combines:

Current regulatory publications – SOLAS , IMDG Code , flag state guidance, and IMO materials in paper and digital formats
e-Navigation solutions – Digital platforms like SPICA e-Reader ensure your crew has accessible, searchable access to critical regulatory guidance
Compliance expertise – Our Flag State Compliance service confirms your vessel meets carriage requirements specific to your flag state
Ongoing support – We track regulatory updates so you don't have to, providing reminders and guidance as new standards take effect

If you're preparing for the Hong Kong Convention IHM deadline, implementing IMDG amendments, or ensuring Mediterranean ECA compliance, ANS delivers the publications, tools, and expertise to keep your vessel audit-ready.

Contact ANS today to discuss your 2025 compliance strategy and ensure your vessel is prepared for every regulatory deadline ahead.

FAQs

Q1: What happens if vessels don't comply with the Mediterranean ECA by May 1, 2025?

A: Non-compliant vessels face port state control detention, fines from coastal states, and potential criminal prosecution of crew members under national environmental laws. Fuel samples are routinely tested during port inspections. Ensuring your vessel operates with proper fuel documentation and EGCS certification (where applicable) is essential.

Q2: Do existing ships need to retrofit for EEDI Phase 3 compliance?

A: No. EEDI applies only to new ship construction. Existing ships must meet separate requirements under EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) and annual CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) ratings, which have been in effect since 2023.

Q3: Where can operators find official guidance on the Hong Kong Convention IHM requirements?

A: Flag state administrations publish specific guidance, and classification societies offer certification services. The IMO website provides the convention text and supporting documentation. Operators should also consult compliance service providers like ANS's Flag State Compliance team for implementation support tailored to your flag state's specific requirements.

Q4: Are the IMDG Code amendments mandatory in January 2025?

A: The amendments are voluntary from January 1, 2025, and become mandatory internationally on January 1, 2026. However, some flag states and port authorities may enforce them earlier, so operators should check specific jurisdictional requirements. Staying ahead of deadlines by implementing changes early reduces inspection risk.

Q5: How does FuelEU Maritime interact with global IMO regulations?

A: FuelEU Maritime operates alongside IMO requirements but applies specifically within EU jurisdiction. Vessels must comply with both regulatory frameworks. The EU regulation sets greenhouse gas intensity limits that may be more stringent than IMO standards, requiring operators to track compliance separately for EU voyages.