Port state control, alternative fuels and compliance trends you need to know about

Changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) are also poised to impact ship operators. 

Amendments that entered into force on 23 December 2024 introduce new requirements for recruitment and placement services, onboard recreation and medical care. One of the most consequential revisions mandates manning agencies inform seafarers of their rights under financial security provisions before they embark.

Mr D’Souza noted many seafarers “are unaware recruitment agencies are obligated to protect them in cases of abandonment or contractual disputes.”

The amendments also introduce requirements for personal protective equipment that accommodates gender diversity and mandates access to drinking water and balanced meals at no cost to the crew.

Onboard medical care provisions have also been strengthened in response to seafarers being denied medical attention during the Covid-19 pandemic. The amendments require port states to permit the landing of seafarers suffering from specified medical conditions.

The changes have already been incorporated into Liberia’s MLC compliance framework, with a transitional period in place for vessels due for inspection in 2025.

“Liberia is implementing a phased approach to ensure shipowners can obtain revised MLC documentation without unnecessary disruption,” Mr D’Souza explained.

The discussion then shifted to alternative fuels, with LISCR vice president offshore services, liquified gas, alternative fuels & decarbonisation maritime operations Nimia Willems providing an update on fuel adoption trends and regulatory developments.

LNG remains the dominant alternative fuel in newbuilding contracts, with 657 dual-fuel vessels in operation and a further 628 on order. Ms Willems projected, “By 2028, the LNG-fuelled fleet could exceed 1,200 vessels,” with expansion driven by the increasing number of ports offering LNG bunkering.

Methanol uptake has accelerated rapidly, with 338 vessels on order, predominantly container ships and chemical tankers. While IMO has issued interim guidelines for methanol-fuelled vessels, Ms Willems noted the industry remains focused on developing sustainable methanol supply chains.

“Fossil-based methanol is not a viable long-term solution, and the shift to bio-methanol or green methanol is necessary to align with decarbonisation targets.”

Ammonia presents a more complex regulatory challenge and Ms Willems explained amendments to the IGF Code, due to enter force in 2026, will remove the prohibition on using toxic fuels, thereby clearing the path for ammonia as a marine fuel.

However, the industry faces technical and safety hurdles, “Minimising toxicity risks and developing fuel storage and bunkering standards are key issues,” she noted, adding Liberia has already issued Marine Notice 017 to provide interim guidance.

The seminar also touched on IMO’s upcoming review of short-term carbon intensity measures, which will influence CII rating methodologies from 2026.

LISCR is monitoring proposals under consideration at MEPC 83, including adjustments to correction factors that account for port waiting times and ballast voyages. Ms Willems noted, “82 documents related to CII revisions were reviewed, but no consensus has been reached on key elements.”

Overall, LISCR’s experts painted a picture of an evolving regulatory environment where shipowners must remain vigilant in adapting to new compliance obligations. The tightening enforcement of lifting appliance regulations, revised MLC requirements and the ongoing shift towards alternative fuels will all shape fleet operations in the coming years.

With PSC authorities sharpening their focus on ISM Code implementation and safety-critical deficiencies, proactive compliance strategies will be essential for operators navigating these regulatory waters.

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