Currently, the dry bulk shipping industry is continuously evolving. New regulations, class notations, and digital tools are reshaping ship design and operations, further enhancing the safety, compliance, and efficiency of fleets, crews, and cargo.
◆ Revised ESP Code Tightens Inspection Rules and Impacts Bulk Carrier Performance
In 2022, the ESP Code (Enhanced Survey Programme Code for international bulk carriers and oil tankers) was revised and subsequently adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.525(106) and IACS Unified Requirements.
According to the new requirements for surveys commencing on or after July 1, 2024, any coating condition rated below “Good” must be recorded and re-surveyed annually. For vessels over 20 years old and longer than 150 meters, if the coating is rated “Poor,” mandatory annual inspections of double-hull spaces are now required.
This shift not only raises the standard for structural maintenance but also carries commercial implications. A downgrade in coating condition can lead to increased survey demands, operational delays, and reduced charter attractiveness, making proactive hull management a competitive necessity.
◆ SOLAS Convention Updates Implement Stricter Regulatory Requirements for Lifting Appliances and Ship Safety
An upcoming amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), adding a new Chapter II-1, Regulation 3-13, complements the focus on structural integrity with stricter oversight of lifting appliances. From January 2026, all lifting appliances installed on or after this date must be surveyed and tested by a classification society. These regulations now fall under the SOLAS safety regime, rather than the previous International Labour Organization (ILO) scheme.
Previously, any “competent person” could perform inspections, but under SOLAS, inspections are now more rigorous and procedures more formal. This is in response to an increasing trend of accidents related to lifting appliances. For existing equipment, compliance must be demonstrated at the first renewal survey after the regulation enters force. Shipowners must now also implement a structured maintenance and inspection regime, maintain onboard records, and ensure crew are trained and familiar with the equipment. This regulation not only enhances safety but also strengthens the implementation of accountability in ship operations.
◆ Updated Grain Rules Make Partial Loading Safer and Provide Greater Flexibility
Simultaneously, the 2026 amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (IGC Code) formally recognize a common but previously non-compliant loading condition: partial filling in hatch openings without trimming ends. This situation often arises when a vessel reaches its maximum draft before being fully loaded.
By acknowledging this practice and providing a framework for its safe execution, the amendment offers greater flexibility without compromising stability. For newbuilds, this condition must be included in the Grain Loading Manual and implemented in the loading computer. For existing vessels in operation, the update is optional but may be required to meet port-specific demands.
◆ Drone Inspections and AI Tools Rewrite Bulk Carrier Survey Practices
New technologies are also playing a transformative role. Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT), particularly the use of drones for close-up surveys and ultrasonic thickness measurements, are gaining significant traction in the bulk carrier sector. With the 2025 update to the ESP Code, drone-based inspections will receive formal recognition. This development reduces the need for scaffolding, cuts costs, and improves safety, especially in hard-to-reach areas. In the future, AI technology, autonomous drone navigation, and digital twins promise to make inspections faster, more accurate, and less intrusive.
◆ Digital Tools Enhance Steel Coil Loading Speed, Safety, and Efficiency
Digital advancements are also reshaping cargo operation standards. A self-service tool developed by DNV, the Steel Load Planner, enables operations teams to create rule-compliant steel coil stowage plans. In its latest version, this operation can be completed in less than five minutes. By replacing cumbersome tables and manual calculations with instant structural verification, the tool can increase cargo throughput by 10%-15%, while also contributing to more efficient and sustainable operations and enhancing safety management through precise load distribution. This service has already proven successful in practice and is an example of digital tools bridging the gap between compliance and operational efficiency.
◆ Deck Cargo Rules Support Heavy-Lift Transport
The role of bulk carriers is evolving, particularly with the development of global markets and changes in demand for new materials and components. Recently, there has been growing demand for transporting non-standard cargoes such as wind turbine blades and other large industrial components. As the size, weight, and handling complexity of these cargoes increase, traditional ship design and operational methods are being challenged. Consequently, bulk carriers, especially Ultramax and Kamsarmax types, are increasingly favored for transporting such components due to their deck space and structural advantages.
DNV’s new Deck Cargo class notation reflects this evolving role, ensuring that ships are not only structurally reinforced to carry these loads but also meet critical operational standards. The notation sets specific requirements for the strength of weather decks and hatch covers (including bulwarks and securing arrangements), while also addressing intact and damage stability as well as navigational visibility. These standards can help shipowners comply with class and international regulations, streamline planning and approval processes, and reduce the risk of delays or disputes during port operations.
◆ Regulatory Shifts Drive Safer, Smarter, and More Adaptive Ship Operations
These developments collectively reinforce the safety and reliability of bulk carrier operations, helping bulk carrier owners keep pace with the industry’s rapid evolution. As the regulatory landscape changes, this trend is expected to continue, particularly in areas related to decarbonization. The ability to adapt, remain flexible, and stay abreast of regulatory and technological developments will help bulk carrier owners make more informed decisions and maintain their leading position in the industry.
