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𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 – 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆?
By maritimecyprus -07/01/2026

https://maritimecyprus.com/ The amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (Grain Code) introduce critical updates to enhance the safety and clarity of grain loading conditions for bulk carriers. These revisions, adopted by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) through resolution MSC.552(108) in May 2024, address a previously undefined loading scenario involving "specially suitable compartments" that are partly filled in the way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed. The new provisions, have taken effect on 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, provide explicit guidance for assessing stability in such cases, ensuring compliance with global safety standards. This document outlines the key changes, their application to new and existing vessels, and the necessary actions for shipowners and operators to align with the updated regulatory framework.

𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

A new class of loading conditions for special compartments, which are defined as "specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed" is introduced. This definition refers to a compartment that is not filled to the maximum extent possible in way of the hatch opening but is filled to a level equal with or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams and has not been trimmed outside the periphery of the hatch opening by the provisions of regulation A /10.4 of the Grain Code.

In such compartments, the bulk grain shall be filled to a level equal with or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams but may be at its natural angle of repose outside the periphery of the hatch opening. After loading, only the free grain surface in way of the hatch opening shall be level.

A compartment may qualify for this classification if it is "specially suitable" as defined in regulation A/2.7 of the Grain Code, in which case dispensation may be granted from trimming the ends of that compartment. Additional amendments in Part B of the Grain Code addressing calculation assumptions have also been made to provide guidance on the assumed slope of the cargo when partly filled in way of the hatch opening with ends untrimmed, for the purpose of determining the assumed volumetric heeling moment.

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

The amendments have entered into force on 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. They apply to both new and existing ships that transport grain in bulk, under the newly defined set of loading conditions, starting from that date.

𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

Ships that are intended to transport grain under the newly defined class of loading conditions, on or after January 1, 2026, should take into account the following:

𝟭. The ship’s grain loading stability manual shall be updated to meet the amendments of the Grain Code in accordance with resolution MSC.552(108) and submitted to the ship’s Flag Administration or Recognized Organization (RO) for approval.

𝟮. Alternatively, an addendum to the approved grain loading stability manual with the new condition, may be prepared and submitted for approval.

𝟯. The grain loading computer, which meets the amendments to the Grain Code, needs to be prepared and submitted for approved by ship’s Flag Administration or Recognized Organization (RO).

For more information download below the ABS Guidance paper for Amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk:https://maritimecyprus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Amendments-to-the-Grain-Code_c.pdf

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