Classification Societies Advance Digital Innovation and Emissions Compliance Standards
Classification societies have significantly ramped up regulatory updates and technical guidance between November and December 2025, with an emphasis on emissions reporting deadlines, lifting appliance requirements, and novel technology approvals. Key developments include U.S. Coast Guard updates to their Alternate Compliance Program as well as SOLAS amendments related to lifting equipment.
U.S. Coast Guard Revamp of Alternate Compliance Program Standards
On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated with authorized classification societies to release an updated supplement to international conventions and classification society rules applicable to ships enrolled in American Registry's Alternate Compliance Program (ACP). This revision applies to all vessels currently enrolled rather than just those enrolling for the first time; streamlining regulatory requirements while making standards clearer and more consistent.
The updated Supplement provides new guidance for novel technologies such as lithium-ion battery installations, while expanding testing and maintenance requirements across all ACP-enrolled vessels. Other enhancements incorporate international standards for low-flashpoint fuels and gas carriers while new general provisions allow offshore supply vessels and oceanographic research vessels to take part in the program with less case-by-case determinations needed. All these modifications aim to lower compliance burdens while strengthening competitive position of U.S. flag vessels by using Recognized Organizations' survey and certification functions for competitive advantage over time.
SOLAS Amendments Expand Lifting Appliance Survey Flexibility
Lloyd's Register recently unveiled new SOLAS requirements for lifting appliances, effective January 1, 2026 with amendments scheduled to go into effect on this date. These updates, combined with the IMO MSC.1/Circ.1663 Guidelines for Lifting Appliances, include survey range windows to give vessel operators more flexibility when managing periodical thorough examinations of lifting appliances.
However, classification societies note that certain flag administrations prohibit survey range windows, while others permit their use. Local authorities and ports may not recognize them due to ILO Convention 152 requirements, potentially forcing vessel owners to complete lifting appliance certification before reaching their advertised survey windows' conclusion. Those looking for guidance and support regarding applying survey range windows are advised to reach out directly to their classification society for guidance and support.
Emissions Reporting Deadlines Aim at Multiple Regulatory Frameworks
Classification societies are reminding shipowners that emissions data submission deadlines across multiple regulatory regimes will begin soon, with mandatory reporting required under FuelEU Maritime, EU/UK Monitoring Reporting Verification (MRV), the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and the IMO Data Collection System (DCS) frameworks.
As part of their compliance with IMO DCS and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), vessel operators must submit annual emissions data to verifiers no later than March 31st 2026 and have them verified and issued by May 31st. Verified data must then be submitted for inclusion on GISIS platforms no later than June 30th 2026. Classification societies offer verification services to help vessel operators meet these regulatory obligations promptly, emphasizing early engagement with technical teams so as to avoid delays.
ClassNK Extends Technical Guidance and Approvals for Increased Adoption Capabilities
ClassNK released their Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0) on October 29, 2025, setting world-first requirements for onboard CO2 capture systems using membrane separation methods. In addition, this classification society also granted Samsung Heavy Industries their SROC vessel design an Approval in Principle (AiP). A certificate handover ceremony took place at KORMARINE 2025 during October.
ClassNK released revised technical guidance on October 30th 2025. They issued the Notation Handbook (2025-5 Edition), along with technical documents related to Fleet Risk Analysis and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan Part II revisions compliant with 2024 International Maritime Organization guidelines. These updates reflect their commitment to industry decarbonization efforts as well as innovation promotion.