IMO treaty on hazardous and noxious cargo to enter into force in 2027

The International Maritime Organization has officially confirmed that the HNS Convention, governing the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea, will enter into force in June 2027. This landmark treaty ensures that victims of maritime incidents involving chemical, liquefied gas, or bulk solid cargoes receive adequate compensation. By establishing a robust liability regime, the IMO aims to address long-standing gaps in maritime safety, particularly for vessels operating in major global shipping hubs like Singapore, Rotterdam, and Fujairah.

The HNS Convention operates under a two-tier system, complementing existing frameworks like the Civil Liability Convention and the Bunkers Convention. Compliance departments must now align vessel operations with new reporting requirements under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and SOLAS Chapter VII. Unlike MARPOL Annex II, which focuses on operational pollution, this treaty mandates that cargo interests contribute to a compensation fund. Failure to maintain accurate cargo manifests or comply with these updated liability protocols could lead to significant legal exposure and port state control detentions.

Masters and navigating officers must prepare for intensified documentation requirements regarding hazardous cargo manifests and carriage certificates. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that all dangerous goods are correctly identified and logged before departure. Navigating officers should familiarize themselves with the new reporting thresholds to avoid potential liability issues during transit. Proper training on these regulatory updates is essential to maintain seamless vessel operations and ensure full compliance with the upcoming 2027 enforcement deadline.