Maritime Industry News — IHM Maintenance, EU SRR, HKC, MEPC 84 — Varuna Sentinels BV

Maritime Industry News & IHM Compliance Updates

The reference Marine News feed by Varuna Sentinels BV — daily-updated, source-verified coverage of IHM Maintenance, Hong Kong Convention, EU Ship Recycling Regulation, IMO MEPC 84 / ISWG-GHG 21, PFOS/PFAS, FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, CII reduction factors, CSRD Omnibus I, Life Cycle Assessment and ESG reporting for the global shipping industry. Last updated:

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Partnerships & Milestones

Regulation
30 April 2026

IMO MEPC 84 — 2026 Strategy & Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships Adopted; Zero-Discharge Goal Locked for 2030

At MEPC 84 in London (27 April–1 May 2026), the Marine Environment Protection Committee adopted the draft 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, superseding the 2021 Strategy and 2025 Action Plan with the express goal of zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2030. The package strengthens reporting of Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), container losses, micro-plastic precursors and lifecycle stewardship of plastic packaging on board. In parallel, MEPC 84 advanced the mandatory BWMS Code amendments package and reviewed PPR 13 outcomes on Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), NOx and black-carbon controls. IHM Part I implications: persistent shrink-wrap, polymer-rich lashing materials and dunnage now flow into Material Declarations and downstream waste reconciliation under the EU SRR Implementing Decision 2026/116 unified ICIHM. VSIMS IHM Maintenance →

Marine Plastic Litter MEPC 84 BWMS Code
Industry News
30 April 2026

Singapore Maritime Week 2026 — India & BIMCO Deepen Collaboration on Sustainable Ship Recycling; Alang Reaffirmed as Global HKC Compliance Hub

At the 20th edition of Singapore Maritime Week (20–24 April 2026, Suntec Singapore), the Indian delegation led by Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, met BIMCO Secretary General David Loosley and Capt. Ashok Srinivasan on 21 April 2026 to formalise collaboration around the BIMCO-led Ship Recycling Alliance and the operational rollout of the Hong Kong International Convention. India confirmed that 115 of 128 plots at Alang Ship Recycling Yard now hold HKC Statements of Compliance — making Alang the world’s largest cluster of HKC-compliant facilities. BIMCO acknowledged India’s progress on worker safety, downstream-waste handling and IHM-driven inventory governance under the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 and Ship Recycling Rules, 2021. The dialogue strengthens the global supply-chain due-diligence chain for owners targeting green-recycling under EU SRR Implementing Decision 2026/116 and the unified ICIHM. VS Circular Maritime Economy →

India / Alang BIMCO HKC Compliance
Industry News
30 April 2026

Ship Recycling Market — Late-April 2026: Bangladesh Holds Lead at ~US$490–495/ldt; Alang Tightens on Supply, Pakistan Compressed

As world ship-recycling markets emerged from the Eid al-Fitr trading lull, Bangladeshi yards retain the price lead at US$ 490–495 per ldt for containers, ~$10/ldt less for tankers and ~$30/ldt less for bulk carriers. Pakistan trails by ~$15/ldt; Indian yards (Alang) sit a further $15/ldt below that, with LPG-supply disruption at local steel mills only marginally easing. Higher Bangladeshi pricing is diverting tonnage to Chattogram, tightening supply at Alang, even as the cluster expands its HKC-compliant footprint to 115 of 128 plots. Cash-buyer activity remains thin: elevated charter day-rates — the result of geopolitical tension — continue to keep ship-supply scarce. For DPAs and Technical Managers, this market shift makes flag-state compliance, the unified EU SRR Implementing Decision 2026/116 ICIHM/IRfRC certificate, and an audit-grade IHM Part III material flow non-negotiable when nominating a cash-buyer route under the Hong Kong Convention.

Recycling Market South Asia IHM Part III
Regulation
30 April 2026

FuelEU Maritime — First Compliance Cycle Closes Today; Pooling, Banking & Borrowing Decisions Locked in EU Database

Today, 30 April 2026, marks the first FuelEU Maritime compliance balance deadline. Companies operating vessels of 5,000 GT and above calling at EU/EEA ports must finalise — in the FuelEU Maritime database (THETIS-MRV) — their flexibility decisions for the 2025 reporting year: banking a surplus into the next cycle, borrowing against future surplus to cover a deficit (capped at 2 %), or pooling a surplus across vessels with verifier approval. Verifiers must record the composition of pools and approve each balance. Failure to act today triggers a non-compliance flag and the FuelEU penalty (EUR 2,400 per metric tonne of VLSFO-equivalent energy), so companies that have not yet decided are urged to use the FuelEU Maritime regulation desk before the 24:00 cut-off. Varuna Sentinels’ FuelEU Balance Calculator and VS Life Cycle Assessment portal already simulate Well-to-Wake intensity and pooling scenarios for next year’s cycle.

FuelEU Decarbonisation Compliance
Regulation
30 April 2026

IMO MEPC 84 Day 4 — GHG Working Group Established; Net-Zero Framework Implementation Guidelines Advance Ahead of October 2026 Adoption Vote

At IMO Headquarters in London, day 4 of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) — running 27 April–1 May 2026 — has formally established the in-session Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, building on the report of ISWG-GHG 21 (20–24 April). The Group is finalising near-final draft implementation guidelines for the IMO Net-Zero Framework: certification schemes for sustainable marine fuels, Well-to-Wake fuel intensity reporting, and the procedural track for a renewed adoption vote at MEPC/ES.2 (resumed) in October 2026, after the October 2025 adjournment vote (57 in favour, 49 against, 21 abstentions). MEPC 84 is also progressing the North-East Atlantic ECA designation, the Ballast Water Management Convention review, and EGCS / NOx / black-carbon threads from PPR 13. Every retrofit triggered by these instruments lands in IHM Part I as a material change — covered by the 2023 IHM Guidelines (MEPC.379(80)) and the MEPC.405(83) 200 mg/kg cybutryne threshold. VSIMS IHM Maintenance →

Net-Zero Framework CII / GFI IHMM
VS Solutions
29 April 2026

VS Solutions Q2 2026 Spotlight — ESG, Life Cycle Assessment, IHM Maintenance & VSMPS Now Share One Audit Trail

As regulators converge on FuelEU, EU ETS Maritime full coverage, the Hong Kong Convention and CSRD Omnibus I, owners are no longer rewarded for siloed compliance. VS Solutions consolidates IHM Maintenance, Circular Maritime Economy, ESG Reporting, VS Life Cycle Assessment, VSMPS Marine Procurement, Live Reporting Portal and Computer-Based Training on a single data spine. Net effect: Material Declarations raised inside VSMPS at PO time flow into IHM Part I, into Well-to-Wake LCA, into FuelEU compliance balance and into CSRD ESRS — once, with one audit trail. Eight product specialists are available to walk technical, HSEQ and ESG teams through the live platform; bookings open at our calendar and at Posidonia 2026, Stand 3.269 / Hall 3.

VS Solutions ESG LCA IHMM VSMPS
Industry News
29 April 2026

NGO Shipbreaking Platform 2025 List — 321 Vessels Dismantled, 214 in South Asia; 11 Worker Deaths Reignite HKC Effectiveness Debate

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has published its 2025 Annual List: 321 vessels were dismantled globally last year — 214 of them on the beaches of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan — representing roughly 85% of global tonnage scrapped. The Platform records 11 worker fatalities and at least 62 injuries, including a tanker explosion in Chattogram. China tops the “Worst Dumpers” list with 21 owned vessels sold to South-Asian beaches, followed by South Korea (19) and the UAE (17). Despite the Hong Kong Convention entering into force on 26 June 2025, the report flags continuing concerns over downstream waste management and worker safety, intensifying the debate on EU SRR “equivalence” for non-OECD yards. For shipowners, the takeaway is sharper supply-chain due-diligence: flag, classification SoC, the unified ICIHM/IRfRC certificate (EU Implementing Decision 2026/116), and an audit-grade downstream waste flow are now table-stakes before any cash-buyer mandate. VS Circular Maritime Economy →

Ship Recycling HSE South Asia
Regulation
29 April 2026

EU ETS Maritime — Full 100% Coverage Live; Q1 2026 Data Shows ~3% Emissions Drop, CH₄ & N₂O Now in Scope

From 1 January 2026, EU ETS Maritime entered its final phase: shipping companies must surrender allowances for 100% of verified CO₂ emissions on EU/EEA voyages, and for the first time the calculation includes methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) — a major change for LNG- and methanol-fuelled fleets where methane slip is now a direct EUA cost driver. Member-State data submitted by the 31 March 2026 reporting deadline shows aggregate maritime-sector emissions down ~3% year-on-year, the first dip since EU ETS extension began. Industry analysts estimate the EU ETS-related surcharge will rise ~45% in 2026 versus 2025 due to full coverage and CH₄/N₂O inclusion. Owners should validate their SEEMP Part III, recheck charter-party EU-ETS clauses, and ensure their monitoring plan (MRV) covers both new gases. Varuna Sentinels’ VS Live Reporting Portal tracks per-voyage CO₂e exposure and EUA pass-through.

EU ETS Decarbonisation MRV
Regulation
28 April 2026

EU DIWASS Goes Mandatory 21 May 2026 — Digital Waste Shipment System Replaces Paper Notifications for Ship-Recycling & Hazardous-Waste Movements

From 21 May 2026, all EU operators involved in transboundary waste shipments — including ship-recycling waste streams, ship-generated hazardous wastes and EUSRR-controlled materials — must submit notifications and Annex VII documents exclusively in digital format via the European Commission’s DIWASS (Digital Waste Shipment System), national digital platforms, or compatible interconnected software. Registration opened on 21 April 2026, leaving Member States roughly one month to process and approve operator applications before the system becomes mandatory. A transition period until 31 December 2026 applies to legacy paper Annex VII documents. The shift, mandated by Regulation (EU) 2024/1157, eliminates the legacy fax-based MoU’s and converts ship-recycling and IHM downstream-waste workflows into structured electronic data — perfect input for circular-economy reporting and EU SRR Implementing Decision 2026/116 audit trails.

EWSR / DIWASS Ship Recycling EU
Regulation
28 April 2026

EU Environmental Crime Directive (2024/1203) — 21 May 2026 Transposition Brings Criminal Liability for IHM Falsification & Illicit Ship Recycling

EU Member States must transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1203 on the protection of the environment through criminal law by 21 May 2026. The Directive elevates illegal ship recycling, illicit waste shipments and falsified IHM documentation to criminal offences across the EU, with sanctions up to 10 years’ imprisonment for natural persons and corporate fines up to 5% of total worldwide turnover (or EUR 40 million) for the most serious cases. For technical managers, DPAs and procurement teams, the practical implication is direct: every Material Declaration (MD), Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) and IHM Part I/II/III entry now sits inside a chain that can attract criminal — not just administrative — liability. A defensible 4-eyes review, versioned audit trail and tamper-evident IHM Part I (with class society SoC) is no longer a nice-to-have. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS IHM Maintenance ships with role-based access, immutable change-log, and a single-click compliance report that supports criminal-grade evidentiary standards.

Compliance IHMM EU
Regulation
27 April 2026

IMO MEPC 84 (May 2026) Preview — CII Reduction Factors 2027–2030 + GHG Fuel Intensity Adoption Track

Ahead of MEPC 84 in May 2026, draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Reg 27 are queued for adoption alongside the IMO Net-Zero Framework implementation guidelines. Resolution MEPC.400(83) already introduces operational CII reduction Z-factors for 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030, sharpening the trajectory beyond the existing 11% reduction by 2026 baseline. Owners of 5,000 GT+ vessels should expect a tightened CII curve, a refined GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) compliance balance, and revised SEEMP Part III guidance. Varuna Sentinels’ VS Live Reporting Portal already projects per-vessel CII trajectories against the new Z-factors, so DPAs can pre-negotiate corrective action plans with charterers and class before October 2026 adoption.

Decarbonisation CII GFI
Regulation
27 April 2026

Omnibus I (Directive (EU) 2026/470) Effective — Maritime CSRD Scope Cut by ~80%, Mandatory Data Points by ~50%

Adopted in March 2026, Directive (EU) 2026/470 — Omnibus I is now operational across EU Member States. Mandatory CSRD reporting now applies only to undertakings with more than 1,000 employees and either EUR 50 million net turnover or EUR 25 million balance-sheet total, removing approximately 80% of previously in-scope companies. Wave-2 and wave-3 reporters get a 2-year postponement (first reports in FY2027 and FY2028). EFRAG’s simplified ESRS reduces mandatory data points by ~50% and EU-Taxonomy template data by ~70%. For shipowners and fleet managers de-scoped from direct CSRD, indirect Scope 3 pressure from charterers, banks and ports is now the binding constraint — which is exactly the value-chain “cap” that Omnibus introduces. Varuna Sentinels’ VS ESG Reporting Portal already maps the simplified ESRS data points to EU-ETS, FuelEU, CII and IHM data sources on a single audit trail.

CSRD ESRS Omnibus I
Industry News
27 April 2026

SOLAS PFOS Ban — First Q1 Survey Wave Closes; Class Statistics Show >95% Fleet Compliance

Class society statistics for January–March 2026 show that more than 95% of vessels presented at the first statutory survey since 1 January 2026 arrived with PFOS-free evidence packs and waste-transfer notes for legacy stock disposal — reflecting strong industry preparedness for the SOLAS Chapter II-2 PFOS prohibition (MSC.532(107)). The remaining gap is concentrated in older offshore-support and small-passenger fleets that still rely on legacy fluorinated foam stocks. Where replacement fluorine-free (F3) foam has been installed, IHM Part I has been updated with a Material Declaration (MD) and Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) per the 2023 IHM Guidelines (MEPC.379(80)). Watch this space — ECHA’s universal PFAS REACH restriction is in its 8-week SEAC consultation closing 25 May 2026, after which the regulatory perimeter will widen further.

PFOS/PFAS IHMM PSC
DNV Bureau Veritas Verified (2 sources)
Product Update
26 April 2026

VS Life Cycle Assessment v2.5 — Methanol & Ammonia Well-to-Wake Pathways Live for FuelEU Maritime Compliance

Ahead of the FuelEU Maritime first-cycle compliance balance due 30 April 2026, Varuna Sentinels has shipped VS-LCA v2.5 with full Well-to-Wake intensity calculations for biofuel blends, e-methanol, blue and green ammonia, bio-LNG and synthetic diesel — all aligned with ISO 14040 and the IMO LCA framework. The release adds a one-click FuelEU compliance balance simulator, pooling/banking/borrowing what-ifs across years, and a CSRD-ready disclosure pack. Material declarations from new fuel-system retrofits flow automatically into IHM Part I, into the Well-to-Wake intensity, and into the CSRD disclosure — once, with a full audit trail. Live demos at Posidonia 2026 (Athens, 1–5 June). Open VS-LCA Portal →

LCA FuelEU Decarbonisation
Regulation
26 April 2026

EU Ship Recycling Regulation — 15th European List Operational: 41 Approved Yards Incl. First German Facility

The European Commission’s 15th edition of the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities — adopted on 27 February 2026 — is now fully operational across EU Member States. The list expands to 41 authorised facilities across Europe, Türkiye and the United States, including the first German yard; three shipyards have been removed, including a Finnish yard that did not renew authorisation, a Northern Irish yard that failed to provide renewal information, and a Türkiye yard found non-compliant with shoreline-protection requirements. Combined with EU Implementing Decision 2026/116 introducing the unified ICIHM and IRfRC certificate format (single certificate, dual EUSRR + HKC compliance), Q2 2026 marks the most consolidated EU ship-recycling regime to date. Owners of EU-flagged tonnage should refresh yard-shortlists in their VSIMS Recycling workflow. VS Circular Maritime Economy →

Ship Recycling EU SRR ICIHM
Industry News
26 April 2026

Posidonia 2026 Conference Programme Announced — Three-Week Maritime Gathering Sold Out, €100M Economic Impact

Posidonia 2026 (1–5 June, Metropolitan Expo, Athens) has officially gone sold out months in advance across all 50,000 m² of exhibition space, expanding into a three-week shipping gathering with an estimated €100 million economic impact. The conference programme opens early-May with Marine Insurance Greece and RightShip events, the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum, the HELMEPA sustainability conference, and the SNAME Greece shipyards conference. Posidonia is the first exhibition in Greece to hold ISO 20121 sustainable-event certification (Bureau Veritas). Varuna Sentinels BV exhibits with live demos of VS Solutions — IHM Maintenance, Circular Maritime Economy, ESG, LCA, VSMPS, Live Reporting, CBT — and the unveil of CyberSmart AI. Book a 30-min slot →

Posidonia 2026 Greek Shipping VS Solutions
Regulation
25 April 2026

Hong Kong Convention 10-Month Review — 24 Ratifications, >40% World Tonnage; Cyprus Flag Operational Since 26 February 2026

Ten months after the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on 26 June 2025, the convention now counts 24 ratifications (including the four largest recycling states: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Türkiye) covering more than 40% of world tonnage. As of 26 February 2026, HKC is operational for vessels flying the Cyprus flag. All internationally trading vessels of 500 GT and above must hold an International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) on board at the latest by 26 June 2030. Combined with the EU SRR’s unified Implementing Decision 2026/116 ICIHM format, owners can now satisfy both regimes with a single certificate. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS IHM Maintenance issues the unified ICIHM and tracks expiry across the fleet.

HKC ICIHM Flag Compliance
Product Update
25 April 2026

IMPA Hamburg 2026 Recap — IMEF Standard v1.0 Goes Live; VSMPS Ships IMEF-Native Marine Procurement Catalogues

The IMPA Hamburg 2026 meeting (24–25 April) finalised IMEF (IMPA Marine Equipment Format) v1.0 — the first universal exchange standard for marine-equipment master data, bridging IMPA codes, manufacturer SKUs, hazardous-material declarations and ESG attributes. Varuna Sentinels VSMPS now ships IMEF-native catalogues across all 13 product taxonomies, so RFQ-to-PO workflows carry hazardous-material declarations and supplier-conformity evidence directly into IHM Part I and into the CSRD Scope 3 disclosure surface. Net effect for procurement teams: faster RFQs, fewer exception flags, and audit-ready Material Declarations for every PO. Open VSMPS Portal →

VSMPS Procurement IMEF
Event · Pinned
24 April 2026 — Event runs 1–5 June 2026

Varuna Sentinels BV Joins Posidonia 2026 — Athens, Metropolitan Expo, Stand 3.269 / Hall 3, 1–5 June 2026

Varuna Sentinels BV will exhibit at Posidonia 2026, the world’s most influential maritime exhibition, at Metropolitan Expo, Athens — Stand 3.269 / Hall 3, 1–5 June 2026. Our team brings live, integrated compliance demos covering EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, CII optimisation, IHM Maintenance (HKC & EU SRR), ESG & CSRD reporting, VSMPS marine procurement and ship Life Cycle Assessment — all on a single data spine. Ship owners, technical directors, HSEQ leads and procurement heads are invited to book a free 30-minute deep-dive with one of our eight product specialists. We will also unveil the next release of CyberSmart AI for maritime compliance on the floor. Pre-book slots are limited — visit the Posidonia 2026 landing page for schedule, topics and the add-to-calendar link.

Exhibition Greek Shipping EU ETS FuelEU IHM LCA
Regulation
23 April 2026

ISWG-GHG 21 & MEPC 84 Mid-Session Readout — Net-Zero Framework Implementation Guidelines Take Shape in London

Day 4 of the combined Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gases (ISWG-GHG 21) and the build-up to MEPC 84 at IMO Headquarters in London has produced near-final draft implementation guidelines for the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including the certification schemes for sustainable marine fuels, Well-to-Wake fuel intensity reporting and the procedural track for a renewed adoption vote in October 2026. Ship operators in scope (>5,000 GT) are watching three threads closely: (i) how the GHG Fuel Intensity target translates to annual compliance balance, (ii) which reporting-year data (2025 or 2026) will anchor the first settlement, and (iii) how national administrations will recognise biofuel, LNG, methanol and ammonia pathways under ISO 14040-aligned Life Cycle Assessment. Every retrofit or alternative-fuel conversion triggered by these talks lands in IHM Part I as a material change — which is why Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS now auto-flags engine, tank and insulation changes against the most recent 2023 IHM Guidelines (MEPC.379(80)) and the MEPC.405(83) 200 mg/kg cybutryne threshold. Our VS Life Cycle Assessment platform already produces the Well-to-Wake intensity values required for FuelEU balance calculations.

Decarbonisation LCA IHMM
Industry News
22 April 2026

Eurazeo ESMI II Fund — USD 189M First Close Accelerates European Maritime Decarbonisation & ESG Capital Deployment

Paris-based alternative asset manager Eurazeo has secured a USD 189 million first close for its European Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure (ESMI II) fund — exceeding the initial EUR 125 million target and accelerating private capital deployment into the decarbonisation of Europe’s shipping and maritime infrastructure. The close signals that institutional LPs are underwriting FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS and the IMO Net-Zero Framework as long-duration compliance drivers rather than one-off transitions. For in-scope operators, fund capital typically lands first in alternative-fuel retrofits, shore-power connections and emission-reduction kits — each of which updates IHM Part I, feeds FuelEU balance calculations and flows into CSRD Scope 1–3 reporting. Varuna Sentinels’ VS ESG Reporting Portal and VS Life Cycle Assessment connect the compliance trail end-to-end — from Material Declaration on a new fuel-system component to the CSRD disclosure that investors and banks now require.

ESG LCA Green Finance
ESG News Verified
Regulation
23 April 2026

Flag Administrations Converge on Fluorine-Free Foam Guidance — Bridging the SOLAS PFOS Ban and the Pending Universal PFAS REACH Restriction

With the SOLAS Chapter II-2 PFOS prohibition (MSC.532(107)) in force since 1 January 2026 and ECHA’s universal PFAS REACH restriction now in its 8-week SEAC consultation window (closing 25 May 2026), flag administrations and recognised organisations are converging on a single operational expectation: every first annual, intermediate or renewal survey after 1 January 2026 must carry documentary evidence that on-board fire-fighting foams are fluorine-free (F3), together with a manufacturer’s declaration referencing Type Approval / Marine Equipment Directive (MED) certification and a traceable safe-disposal waste-transfer note for any PFOS/PFAS legacy stock. Because PFOS has sat in Annex I of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation since 31 December 2020, the replacement foam and its SDS must flow into IHM Part I as a Material Declaration (MD) plus Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). The Republic of Liberia Marine Advisory, DNV, Bureau Veritas, ClassNK, NorthStandard and Shipowners’ Club have all issued aligned guidance. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS ships a PFOS-Free evidence pack + annex-update template aligned with the 2023 IHM Guidelines (MEPC.379(80)).

IHMM PFOS/PFAS PSC Compliance
Product Update
23 April 2026

VS Solutions Spotlight — One Platform from IHM Maintenance to ESG, LCA, VSMPS Procurement & Live Reporting

As the post-HKC-entry-into-force survey calendar kicks in, MEPC 84 shapes the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the Omnibus I CSRD cut reshuffles ESG perimeters, owners and managers are consolidating point tools into a single audit-ready stack. Varuna Sentinels BV’s VS Solutions platform now runs seven tightly coupled modules on one data layer — IHM Maintenance (continuous IHM Parts I/II/III under EUSRR + HKC), Circular Maritime Economy (yard-matching, IRfRC, Ship Recycling Plan), ESG Reporting (CSRD/ESRS, FuelEU, CII), VS Life Cycle Assessment (Well-to-Wake, ISO 14040), VSMPS Marine Procurement, Live Reporting Portal and CBT Training. Material Declarations submitted for a new engine retrofit flow into IHM Part I, into the Well-to-Wake intensity on LCA, into the FuelEU balance and into the CSRD disclosure — once, with a full audit trail. Book a demo →

VS Solutions IHMM ESG LCA
Industry News
22 April 2026

South Asia HKC Compliance Milestone — Bangladesh 28 Yards, India 110+, Pakistan 3 IHM-Ready Facilities

Ten months after the Hong Kong Convention entered into force, the combined HKC-ready recycling capacity in South Asia has passed a critical readiness bar: Bangladesh now counts 28 HKC-certified facilities, India holds Statements of Compliance across 110+ yards at Alang/Bhavnagar, and Pakistan reached three ClassNK-certified yards at Gadani in April 2026 — with additional approvals expected. This widens the pool of HKC-compliant destinations for EU-flagged and non-EU-flagged tonnage alike, but yard selection still depends on a current IHM Part I, IHM Parts II & III at the pre-recycling stage, an approved Ship Recycling Facility Plan (SRFP) and a matching Document of Authorization. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS workflow tracks every eligible yard, its capacity and its certificate expiry alongside your fleet IHM posture.

Ship Recycling IHMM HKC Enforcement
Regulation
22 April 2026

Designated Person Action Alert — IHM Part I Annex Update & PFOS-Free Evidence Required at First Survey After 1 January 2026

With the SOLAS Chapter II-2 PFOS prohibition (IMO resolution MSC.532(107)) in force since 1 January 2026, shipowners must now present documentary evidence — at the first statutory survey on or after 1 January 2026 — that all fixed and portable fire-fighting foams on board are PFOS-free, and must record the safe disposal arrangement for any prohibited media. Because PFOS has been listed in Annex I of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation since 31 December 2020, any residual stock or replacement foam must be reflected in IHM Part I: Material Declarations (MDs) and Supplier Declarations of Conformity (SDoCs) need to be retained alongside disposal waste-transfer notes. DNV, Bureau Veritas, ClassNK and NorthStandard have all issued matching guidance. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS IHM maintenance workflow includes a PFOS-free evidence pack and an annex-update template aligned with 2023 IHM Guidelines (MEPC.379(80)).

IHMM PFOS/PFAS Designated Person
Industry News
21 April 2026

“Not Short of Capacity — Short of Candidates” — Q2 Subcontinent Ship Recycling Tightens as Currency & Energy Costs Bite

As Q2 2026 opens, Wirana Shipping CEO Rakesh Khetan summarised the subcontinent market in a single line: “The market is not short of recycling capacity, but the supply of recycling candidates continues to remain short.” India’s rupee has weakened sharply against the US dollar as Middle-East oil-import pressure persists; Bangladesh remains exposed to imported-gas costs that constrain steel-mill offtake; Türkiye is absorbing similar energy-cost shocks. Alang plate prices have risen even while tonnage offers remain thin, compressing yard margins and elongating the end-of-life decision window. For owners, this validates the strategy of keeping IHM Part I “recycling-ready” continuously — so a sale decision can be executed the moment the cycle turns, without documentation lead-times. VS Live Reporting publishes a per-vessel IHM readiness score in real time.

Ship Recycling Market Intelligence Subcontinent
Industry News
21 April 2026

IHMM Foundation Launches Professional Training Video Series & New CMP-Approved Courses for Hazmat/IHM Practitioners

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Foundation announced on 21 April 2026 a new series of professional training videos alongside additional CMP-approved courses that count toward recertification certification-maintenance points for CDGP, CDGT, CHMM, CHMP, CSHM and CSMP credential-holders. The rollout is designed to reach hazmat, IHM Designated Persons and shoreside operations leaders — an important supplement for shipowners working through the SOLAS PFOS amendment and the post-HKC-entry-into-force survey calendar. Varuna Sentinels’ CBT Training Portal mirrors the IHMM curriculum in 20 class-aligned modules covering IHM, HKC/EUSRR, PFAS, MARPOL, BWM, FuelEU, CSRD and LCA.

Training IHMM Designated Person
Industry News
20 April 2026

SGMF Third Life Cycle Assessment — Up to 29% Tank-to-Wake GHG Reduction Evidenced for LNG as a Marine Fuel

The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has published its third life-cycle assessment of LNG as a marine fuel, evidencing up to 29% Tank-to-Wake GHG emissions reductions versus MGO 0.1% and contributing to overall Well-to-Wake GHG reductions of up to 25%. The study, released on 20 April 2026, uses the ISO 14040-series LCA standard and provides owners, charterers and financiers with an independent benchmark as FuelEU Maritime and the IMO’s emerging Net-Zero Framework translate lifecycle intensity metrics into enforceable compliance costs. SGMF will follow with a methanol LCA in mid-2026. Varuna Sentinels’ VS Life Cycle Assessment platform already produces the Well-to-Wake intensity values required for FuelEU balance calculations and investment-grade decarbonisation scenarios.

LCA Decarbonisation Alternative Fuels
Industry News
16 April 2026

Asian Shipowners’ Association Ship Recycling Committee Calls for Global Alignment on HKC Implementation

Ten months after the Hong Kong Convention entered into force (26 June 2025), the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) Ship Recycling Committee convened on 16 April 2026 to assess progress and warn that fragmented national implementation risks a two-speed global regime. The Committee urged all maritime administrations to harmonise port state control checks on the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) and the International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRfRC), and to avoid duplicative audits between HKC and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. For shipowners, this reinforces two priorities: (i) keep IHM Part I continuously current and (ii) ensure yard selection matches both the EUSRR European List and an HKC Document of Authorization. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS workflow operationalises both checks in one pipeline.

IHMM Global Alignment HKC + EUSRR
Industry News
April 2026

Pakistan Reaches Three HKC-Certified Ship Recycling Facilities — More Expected

Pakistan now holds three Hong Kong Convention-certified ship recycling facilities at Gadani as of April 2026, following ClassNK approvals for Prime Green Recycling Yard (January 2026) and Salam’s International (March 2026), with a third facility added this month — and additional certifications expected in the coming weeks. This triples Pakistan’s audit-ready capacity in under four months and widens the pool of HKC-compliant destinations available to EU and non-EU flagged tonnage. For shipowners, yard-matching still depends on complete, current IHM Parts I, II and III and an approved Ship Recycling Facility Plan (SRFP) for each yard. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS tracks authorised capacity per yard and flags mismatches before the final survey window closes.

Ship Recycling IHMM South Asia
Sustainability MEA MarineLink Verified (2 sources)
Industry News
Week 15 — 14 April 2026

Ship Recycling Market Under Strain — Lower Oil Prices, Q1 Tonnage Backlog, Geopolitical Friction

According to GMS’ Week 15 recycling report (14 April 2026), the global ship recycling market is navigating a difficult quarter: lower fuel costs may erode trading economics for older vessels, but owners have not yet reacted to the single-week volatility, and the Q1 tonnage backlog remains in place. Bangladesh and Pakistan are showing firmer pricing signals while local steel-mill sentiment stays cautious; rising power costs, currency pressure and Red-Sea rerouting continue to reshape the economics of end-of-life planning. For owners, this underscores the value of keeping IHM Part I recycling-ready year-round so the decision to sell into a rising or falling market is never constrained by documentation lead-times. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS plus Live Reporting portal surfaces an IHM “ready-for-recycling score” per vessel in real time.

Ship Recycling Live Reporting Market Intelligence
Regulation
20 April – 1 May 2026

MEPC 84 Convenes in London — Net-Zero Framework Guidelines, Fuel Lifecycle Rules & PFOS Follow-Up

IMO Member States convene for the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) in London from 20 April to 1 May 2026 — the first critical engagement since the October 2025 decision to delay adoption of the Net-Zero Framework by one year. The session is expected to approve implementation guidelines for the Net-Zero Framework, advance the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for marine fuels, and address follow-up actions on the PFOS prohibition that entered into force 1 January 2026. Outcomes will shape 2027–2030 emissions reduction factors for CII, inform the global fuel standard, and may introduce new mandatory GHG fuel intensity reporting. Varuna Sentinels tracks the session daily across IHM, LCA and ESG workflows so customers can update compliance calendars in near real-time.

LCA Decarbonisation IMO
Industry News
Upcoming — 14–15 October 2026

Ship Recycling Lab 2026 Marseille — Transformation Through Innovation

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform has announced the third edition of the Ship Recycling Lab: Transformation Through Innovation, scheduled for 14–15 October 2026 in Marseille, France. The event convenes owners, classification societies, recyclers, steel buyers, financiers and policy makers to showcase best practices and solutions across ship demolition, design-for-recyclability, waste management and material recovery. Following HKC entry into force and the EU SRR list update cycle, 2026’s edition focuses on evidence-grade circularity: closing the IHM Part I/II/III data loop, aligning ICIHM and IRfRC workflows, and scaling safe, HKC-compliant capacity in South Asia and Türkiye. Varuna Sentinels’ Circular Maritime Economy team will participate.

Circular Economy Event 2026 Sustainability
Industry News
23 March 2026

ClassNK Certifies Pakistan’s Second HKC-Compliant Ship Recycling Yard — Salam’s International

ClassNK has certified Salam’s International at Gadani as Pakistan’s second Hong Kong Convention compliant ship recycling facility, doubling the country’s certified capacity following Prime Green Recycling Yard’s January 2026 approval. The classification society confirmed the yard’s infrastructure and management systems align with the 2009 HKC. Pakistan’s competent authority is now expected to issue the Document of Authorization (DoA), the official permit allowing operations under the treaty’s Ship Recycling Facility Plan (SRFP). For ship managers planning recycling events under both HKC and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, this expansion broadens the pool of audit-ready South-Asian destinations — but IHM Part I, II and III must still match each yard’s authorised capacity. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS keeps the IHM Parts II (operational waste) and III (stores) workflow recycling-ready throughout the vessel’s service life.

IHMM Ship Recycling HKC
Regulation
Effective 26 February 2026

Hong Kong Convention Now Applies to Existing Cyprus-Flagged Ships — ICIHM Required

Under a circular issued by the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry, the Hong Kong Convention applies to existing Cyprus-flagged ships from 26 February 2026. Cyprus-flagged vessels of 500 GT and above must obtain the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) at the first harmonised renewal survey on or after this date, and in any event no later than 26 June 2030. Crucially, EU Regulation 1257/2013 (EUSRR) remains fully applicable in parallel — so IHM Part I must still be prepared with the EU’s additional substances and specifications, not only the HKC list. With Cyprus operating one of Europe’s largest flag registries, this trigger affects a meaningful share of the European-controlled fleet. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS handles dual EUSRR + HKC IHM Part I generation in a single workflow, eliminating duplicated evidence packs.

IHMM Flag State EUSRR + HKC
Industry News
February 2026 (covering 2025 data)

NGO Shipbreaking Platform Releases 2025 Annual List — 321 Vessels Dismantled, 85% in South Asia

In its 2025 annual list released in February 2026, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform reports that 321 vessels were dismantled globally in 2025, with 214 ending up on beaches in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan — representing approximately 85% of the global tonnage scrapped. The Platform highlights 11 worker fatalities and at least 62 injuries across South Asia in 2025, including an oil-tank explosion at the Ziri Subedar yard in Chattogram, Bangladesh. With the Hong Kong Convention in force since 26 June 2025, the report sharpens the regulatory and reputational case for shipowners to verify that end-of-life destinations are HKC-certified, that IHM Part I is current, and that Parts II (operational waste) and III (stores) are completed before the final survey. Varuna Sentinels’ IHM and Circular Maritime Economy practice helps owners select audit-ready facilities and document the full evidence trail.

Ship Recycling IHMM ESG & Workers’ Rights
Industry News
Q1 2026 Reports

Bangladesh Shipbreaking Volumes Drop as Yards Adjust to Hong Kong Convention

Bangladesh imported 57 end-of-life ships in H1 2025, down sharply from 89 in H1 2024, as the country’s shipbreaking industry transitions into Hong Kong Convention compliance following entry into force on 26 June 2025. Per NGO Shipbreaking Platform, seven Bangladeshi yards have so far obtained Statements of Compliance (SoC) with HKC, but the country still lacks an authorised Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for downstream hazardous waste — a gap that constrains both throughput and EU SRR eligibility. For shipowners, the message is clear: the South-Asian recycling pool is shrinking faster than supply, and IHM Part I ‘recycling readiness’ on every vessel is now a planning advantage, not just a compliance task. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS keeps continuous IHM updates aligned with both HKC and EU SRR yard-selection criteria.

Ship Recycling IHMM South Asia
Regulation
In effect since 26 June 2025

IRfRC Reminder — 90-Day Validity Tightens IHM Part II & III Planning Window

Under the Hong Kong Convention, every ship destined for recycling must carry a valid International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRfRC) issued only after the final survey, supported by the complete IHM (Parts I, II and III), the approved Ship Recycling Plan (SRP) and a copy of a valid SRF Document of Authorization (DASR). Crucially, the IRfRC is valid for only three months — meaning IHM Parts II (operational waste) and III (stores) must be prepared and approved on a tight, well-coordinated timeline that aligns yard arrival, customs and final survey dates. With HKC in force since 26 June 2025, port state control regimes are increasingly checking IRfRC currency on inbound recycling voyages. Varuna Sentinels coordinates IHM Part II / III development, SRP review and yard-matching inside one VSIMS workflow so the 90-day window is never wasted.

IHMM Ship Recycling Final Survey
Regulation
30 April 2026 (Deadline)

FuelEU Maritime — First Compliance Balance Deadline Hits 30 April 2026

The FuelEU Maritime regulation enters its first enforcement cycle with a hard deadline on 30 April 2026, the date by which every in-scope ship (above 5,000 GT calling at EU/EEA ports) must have its compliance balance approved in the FuelEU Maritime database for the 2025 reporting year. A FuelEU Document of Compliance must then be carried on board by 30 June 2026. The targets cover CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide over the full well-to-wake lifecycle of every litre of fuel burned — and ship managers are now reconciling IHM Part I fuel-system equipment records with the verifier’s data package. Varuna Sentinels’ VS Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) platform already produces the Well-to-Wake GHG intensity values required for the balance calculation.

LCA Decarbonisation Live Reporting
Regulation
27 February 2026

EU Ship Recycling List — 15th Edition Adds First German Facility Under EUSRR

The European Commission adopted the 15th edition of the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities on 27 February 2026, adding the first German shipyard authorised to dismantle large EU-flagged vessels. The list update continues the geographic broadening of the EUSRR ecosystem and brings the total pool of approved facilities to the low-40s range across Europe, Türkiye and the United States. For shipowners planning end-of-life events under the combined EUSRR + Hong Kong Convention regime, the list is the authoritative reference — and IHM Parts I, II and III plus the Ship-Specific Recycling Plan must match the selected yard’s authorised capacity. Varuna Sentinels tracks every edition of the list and flags expirations inside VSIMS so planning is never caught off-guard.

IHMM Ship Recycling EUSRR
Industry News
26 March – 25 May 2026

ECHA Launches 8-Week Public Consultation on SEAC’s Draft PFAS Restriction Opinion

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) opened an 8-week public consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) on the universal PFAS REACH restriction on 26 March 2026. The consultation runs until 25 May 2026 and is the final stakeholder window before RAC and SEAC formally adopt their joint opinions by the end of 2026. For shipowners, the restriction directly affects IHM Part I records for insulation, cables, paints, coatings, lubricants, firefighting foams, refrigerants and Teflon-based gaskets. Unlike transport refrigeration outside the marine sector, marine applications currently enjoy no exemption beyond the general transition period — making this consultation materially important for the industry. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS platform is already being updated to pre-populate PFAS risk flags for new IHM surveys.

IHMM PFAS/PFOS REACH
Regulation
Effective from 26 June 2025

IMO Resolution MEPC.405(83) — Cybutryne Threshold Cut from 1000 to 200 mg/kg for IHM MDs

IMO Resolution MEPC.405(83), adopted at MEPC 83 on 11 April 2025, amends the 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (MEPC.379(80)) and reduces the cybutryne threshold in antifouling systems from 1,000 mg/kg to just 200 mg/kg — a five-fold tightening. Every Material Declaration (MD) prepared for IHM Part I on or after 26 June 2025 must be issued in the new format reflecting the reduced threshold. Persons responsible for IHM maintenance need to audit their supplier MDs, update VSIMS templates, and confirm that all antifouling system data (paint sampling from hull or wet containers) is reported against the new 200 mg/kg limit. Varuna Sentinels has already migrated its VSIMS MD library to the MEPC.405(83) format and can re-issue legacy MDs on request.

IHMM Antifouling Material Declarations
Industry News
January 2026

Alang Ship Recycling Hub — 115 of 128 Plots HKC-Compliant, Master Plan to Double Capacity

At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot (10–12 January 2026), the Gujarat Maritime Board and the Ship Recycling Industries Association of India presented Alang’s updated master plan: 115 of 128 plots are now fully Hong Kong Convention (HKC) compliant, and a ₹1,224 crore capital programme will double installed capacity from 4.5 million LDT to 9 million LDT over the next decade. The yards have added a Level-3 trauma centre, worker training institute and upgraded downstream hazardous-waste handling to match EU and HKC standards. With HKC in force since 26 June 2025, Alang positions itself as the leading low-carbon, audit-ready destination for end-of-life vessels flagged in Asia, Europe and beyond. Owners planning recycling events in the next 5 years should begin yard-matching and IHM Part III (stores) preparation now.

Ship Recycling IHMM HKC
Regulation
1 January 2026 (Review)

CII & EEXI Effectiveness Review — MEPC 83 Sets 2027–2030 Z-Factors for Ship Ratings

IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee is required to review the effectiveness of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) by 1 January 2026. At MEPC 83 (April 2025), the Committee set the CII reduction (Z) factors for 2027 through 2030, locking in the annual tightening schedule that pushes A-rated fleets to cut carbon intensity roughly 2% every year until 2030. Ships above 5,000 GT now face a predictable but demanding glide-path, and owners must weigh slow-steaming, waste-heat recovery and alternative-fuel retrofits — every one of which triggers IHM Part I updates for new engine, boiler and insulation materials. Varuna Sentinels’ VS ESG Reporting Portal integrates CII data with ESG disclosures for CSRD-in-scope operators.

CII/EEXI ESG IHMM
Regulation
27 April – 1 May 2026

IMO MEPC 84 Opens in London — Net-Zero Framework Implementation Under Final Review

The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee meets in-person at IMO Headquarters in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026 for its 84th session. MEPC 84 is expected to approve detailed implementation guidelines for the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including the Well-to-Wake goal-based marine fuel standard and the GHG emissions pricing mechanism for ships above 5,000 GT — the segment responsible for over 85% of global shipping emissions. Ship operators must track these decisions closely as they directly shape vessel lifecycle compliance, IHM documentation for alternative-fuel retrofits, and upcoming Scope 3 CSRD reporting boundaries.

Decarbonisation LCA IHMM
Regulation
April 2026

IMO Net-Zero Framework — Adoption Talks Resume Ahead of 2027 Entry into Force

Following the MEPC/ES.2 adjournment in 2025, IMO net-zero shipping talks have resumed in 2026 to consider adoption of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the full Net-Zero Framework. The framework combines a mandatory marine fuel GHG intensity standard with a global carbon pricing mechanism projected to raise up to USD 15 billion annually by 2030. Entry into force is expected 16 months after formal adoption, placing real-world compliance obligations on shipowners from 2027. Varuna Sentinels’ VS Life Cycle Assessment platform is already aligned with the Well-to-Wake methodology that underpins the framework.

ESG LCA Live Reporting
Regulation
21 May 2026 (Effective)

EU Waste Shipment Regulation — Digital Procedures Mandatory from 21 May 2026

Under the recast EU Waste Shipment Regulation, the procedures for shipping waste — including hazardous waste contained in end-of-life EU-flagged vessels — become fully digital from 21 May 2026. The digital transition is intended to tighten traceability, prevent illegal exports to non-compliant facilities, and integrate with the evolving EU Ship Recycling Regulation enforcement ecosystem. Shipowners planning recycling events in 2026 and beyond must ensure their IHM Part I and III documentation is digital-ready and compatible with EU notification workflows.

Ship Recycling IHMM Digital Compliance
Industry News
26 March 2026

ECHA Advances Universal PFAS REACH Restriction — Committee Opinions Published

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published its committees’ opinions on the universal REACH restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on 26 March 2026, advancing the most far-reaching chemicals restriction ever tabled in the EU. The proposal targets the entire PFAS family as “forever chemicals” and will directly impact maritime IHM Part I documentation: insulation, cables, paints, coatings, lubricants, firefighting foams, and Teflon-based gaskets all contain PFAS. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS platform is already being updated to pre-populate PFAS risk flags for new IHM surveys.

IHMM PFAS/PFOS REACH
Regulation
26 February 2026

EU Directive 2026/470 — Omnibus I Formally Published, CSRD Scope Cut by 85%

The European Union formally published Directive (EU) 2026/470, the Omnibus I Directive, in the Official Journal on 26 February 2026. The directive raises CSRD thresholds to companies with more than 1,000 employees and above €450 million annual turnover — reducing the number of in-scope companies by approximately 85%. Draft simplified ESRS were published in December 2025 and the Commission will adopt the final version within six months. A “value-chain cap” also protects SMEs from being forced to report beyond voluntary standards. Varuna Sentinels’ ESG Reporting Portal already supports the simplified ESRS for maritime companies.

ESG CSRD CSDDD
Regulation
Phased 2026 – 2030

EU Commission Regulation 2025/1988 — PFAS Firefighting Foams Phase-Out Begins

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 amended Annex XVII of REACH to phase out PFAS in firefighting foams. Foams containing more than 1 mg/L of PFAS are prohibited from 23 October 2030, with staged interim limits applied from 2026 depending on use category. Combined with the IMO PFOS ban now in effect under SOLAS Chapter II-2 (1 January 2026), this creates a two-track regime that every IHM Part I must reflect. Ship operators should document foam composition, replacement timelines, and safe disposal routes as part of continuous IHM maintenance.

IHMM PFAS/PFOS SOLAS
Industry News
April 2026

Hong Kong Convention — 10 Months In, PSC Inspectors Go Beyond the Certificate

Ten months after the Hong Kong Convention entered into force on 26 June 2025, Port State Control regimes are moving beyond a simple check that an IHM certificate exists. Inspectors are now scrutinising underlying survey reports, updated material changes since the last survey, and evidence of continuous maintenance throughout the vessel’s operational life. Industry analysis highlights that IHM compliance is not a one-off exercise — every structural modification, equipment replacement, or installed-system change can trigger an IHM update obligation. Detentions disrupt charter commitments and signal weak compliance oversight to regulators and insurers. Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS delivers continuous IHM maintenance as an ongoing workflow, not a deadline exercise.

IHMM PSC Compliance HKC
Regulation
January 19, 2026

EU Adopts New IHM Certificate Format — Single Certificate for EU SRR & HKC

The European Commission adopted Implementing Decisions (EU) 2026/116 and 2026/121, introducing unified certificate formats for the Inventory of Hazardous Materials and Ready for Recycling certificates. Ship owners can now fulfil obligations under both the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention with a single administrative form, reducing compliance burden while maintaining EU-level environmental standards.

IHMM Ship Recycling ESG
Regulation
February 9, 2026

EU SRR IHM Certificate Amendment — Revised Format for EU-Flagged Vessels

The European Commission issued a regulatory amendment to the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, introducing a revised IHM certificate format for EU-flagged vessels. For ships flying the flag of an EU Member State that is also party to the Hong Kong Convention, only a single International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) will be issued going forward, replacing the dual-certificate requirement.

IHMM EU Compliance
Industry News
February 27, 2026

First German Ship Recycling Facility Added to EU Approved List

The European Commission updated the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities, adding the first German ship recycling yard. This expansion increases recycling capacity within the EU, providing more options for ship owners seeking compliant, environmentally sound disposal of end-of-life vessels under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.

Ship Recycling IHMM
Industry News
March 2026

Port State Control Detentions Rise for IHM Non-Compliance

Port State Control authorities have intensified enforcement of IHM requirements following the Hong Kong Convention’s entry into force. Vessels without valid IHM certificates or with outdated inventories face detention, operational delays, and financial penalties. Marshall Islands-flagged vessel detentions have highlighted the real cost of IHM complacency, reinforcing the need for continuous IHM maintenance through platforms like Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS.

IHMM PSC Compliance
Lucion Group Verified
Industry News
Mid-2026 (Expected)

CSRD Maritime Sector-Specific Standards Expected by Mid-2026

The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) is developing sector-specific CSRD reporting standards for the maritime industry, expected by mid-2026. These standards will address shipping-specific challenges including deep-sea emissions, Scope 3 supply chain reporting, and crew welfare disclosures. Listed SMEs become subject to CSRD reporting in 2026, expanding the regulatory scope significantly. Varuna Sentinels’ ESG Reporting Portal helps maritime companies prepare for these requirements.

ESG CSRD
Industry News
May 2026 (Expected)

IMO Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines for Marine Fuels — Final Framework Expected

The IMO is finalising comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) guidelines for marine fuels, with final implementation expected by May 2026. The Well-to-Wake framework will assess total GHG emissions including upstream production, transport, and combustion, covering social and environmental impacts. This aligns with the IMO’s 2050 net-zero target and supports Varuna Sentinels’ VS LCA Platform for vessel lifecycle environmental analysis.

LCA Decarbonisation
IMO Official Verified
Regulation
May 21, 2026 (Deadline)

EU Directive 2024/1203 — Criminal Liability for Ship Recycling Violations

EU Member States must implement Directive 2024/1203 on environmental protection through criminal law by 21 May 2026. This directive introduces criminal liability for violations of ship recycling practices, illegal waste disposal, and non-compliant IHM management. Maritime operators face potential criminal prosecution for non-compliance, making proper IHM maintenance and certified ship recycling more critical than ever.

IHMM Ship Recycling Legal
Industry News
November 21, 2026 (Planned)

EU to Adopt First List of Authorized Ship Recycling Countries

The European Commission is preparing the initial list of authorised third countries for ship recycling, planned for adoption on 21 November 2026. This list will determine which non-EU recycling facilities can accept EU-flagged vessels, significantly impacting global ship recycling flows and end-of-life vessel management. Ship owners must ensure vessels carry compliant IHM documentation before recycling at any facility.

Ship Recycling IHMM Global Policy
Industry News
2026

Wider PFAS Restrictions Expected — Beyond PFOS to Full “Forever Chemicals” Ban

Following the PFOS firefighting foam ban effective January 2026, regulators are signalling expansion to the broader PFAS family of “forever chemicals” including PFOA. Ship owners must inventory all PFAS-containing materials onboard as part of IHM maintenance. The EU REACH regulation has already restricted PFOA, and the maritime industry should prepare for comprehensive PFAS phase-out timelines that will impact IHM Part I documentation across the global fleet.

IHMM PFAS/PFOS Environment
Milestone
June 26, 2025

Hong Kong Convention (HKC) Officially Enters into Force

The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships officially entered into force on 26 June 2025. Ships of 500 GT and above must now carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). Varuna Sentinels BV's VSIMS platform ensures full HKC and EUSRR compliance for vessel operators worldwide.

IHMM Ship Recycling
IMO Official Verified
Milestone
January 1, 2026

IMO PFOS Ban in Firefighting Foams Now in Effect

From 1 January 2026, the use and storage of fire-fighting foams containing PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) is prohibited on all ships under amended SOLAS Chapter II-2. Varuna Sentinels BV helps shipowners manage hazardous materials compliance including PFOS-containing substances through comprehensive IHM maintenance and tracking.

IHMM PFOS Compliance
DNV Official Verified
Milestone
February 26, 2026

EU Omnibus Package Simplifies CSRD & CSDDD Reporting

The EU Omnibus Package was published in the Official Journal on 26 February 2026, significantly simplifying sustainability reporting. Only companies with 1,000+ employees and €450M+ turnover must now report under CSRD. Varuna Sentinels BV's ESG Reporting Portal helps maritime companies navigate the evolving EU sustainability landscape.

ESG CSRD
Milestone
January 31, 2026

FuelEU Maritime — First Reporting Deadline Passed

The first FuelEU Maritime reporting deadline closed on 31 January 2026, with shipowners submitting vessel data covering 1 January – 31 December 2025. Third-party verification was due by 31 March 2026. Varuna Sentinels BV supports maritime companies with integrated compliance and decarbonisation reporting tools.

ESG Live Reporting
Milestone
October 2025

IMO MEPC 83 — CII Reduction Factors Set for 2027–2030

IMO’s MEPC 83 completed the first phase of the CII review, setting Carbon Intensity Indicator reduction factors for 2027–2030. Additionally, cybutryne thresholds in IHM Guidelines were clarified, and methane/N2O measurement guidelines for marine engines were finalised. Varuna Sentinels BV helps shipowners track CII ratings and maintain IHM compliance through its integrated platform.

IHMM ESG
DNV Official Verified
Milestone
2024

Riviera Maritime — “IHM Maintenance: Are You Asking the Right Questions?”

Riviera Maritime Media featured Varuna Sentinels BV in an article examining key questions shipowners should ask about IHM maintenance, highlighting the importance of digital compliance platforms and the role of expert IHM service providers in meeting EUSRR and HKC requirements.

IHMM Ship Recycling
Product Launch
June 2025

VSMPS — AI-Powered Marine Procurement System

Varuna Sentinels BV launched VSMPS, an AI-powered end-to-end marine procurement platform for sustainable and compliant maritime procurement planning.

VSMPS
IMPA SAVE IMEF Initiative
Partnership
April 10, 2025

IMPA SAVE IMEF Initiative — Working Group Member

Varuna Sentinels BV is an active member of the IMPA SAVE IMEF Initiative, developing a standardized framework for calculating Product Carbon Footprint of maritime products.

VSMPS ESG LCA
Republic of Liberia IHM Certification
Certification
January 24, 2025

IHM Expert Certification — Republic of Liberia

Varuna Sentinels BV received the IHM Expert Acceptance Certificate from the Republic of Liberia, confirming compliance with MEPC Resolution 379(80). Valid until January 24, 2028.

IHMM
Product Launch
January 2025

VS Life Cycle Assessment Portal Launch

Varuna Sentinels BV launched the LCA Portal, enabling shipowners to gain end-to-end visibility of environmental impact and align with global decarbonisation goals.

LCA
Product Launch
January 2025

CBT Portal — 20-Module Maritime Compliance Training Catalogue Launched

Varuna Sentinels BV launched the Computer Based Training Portal — 20 class-aligned modules covering IHM, HKC/EUSRR, PFAS, MARPOL, BWM, FuelEU, CSRD and LCA. Each module cites the primary IMO, EU or ISO source regulation it teaches so Designated Persons, ship managers and trainees can trace every learning outcome to its authoritative reference.

CBT
Product Launch
January 2025

Live Reporting Portal Launch

Varuna Sentinels BV launched the Live Reporting Portal for real-time maritime compliance monitoring and analytics, giving fleet managers centralized digital visibility.

Live Reporting
RINA Service Supplier Approval
Certification
October 29, 2024

RINA Service Supplier Approval — IHM Surveys

Varuna Sentinels BV was approved by RINA for conducting IHM surveys onboard ships. Valid until October 17, 2027.

IHMM
Product Launch
April 17, 2024

Advanced Automation for Streamlined IHM Compliance

Varuna Sentinels BV introduced advanced automation to revolutionize IHM compliance, streamlining regulatory adherence and enhancing supply chain transparency.

IHMM
Product Launch
January 2024

ESG Reporting & Advisory Platform Launch

Varuna Sentinels BV launched the ESG Reporting Portal for comprehensive ESG/CSRD compliance meeting GRI, SASB, TCFD, and CSRD frameworks.

ESG
Milestone
2023

IHM Software: Technology Enabler for Maritime Circular Economy

Hellenic Shipping News highlighted Varuna Sentinels' IHM software as a technology enabler for the maritime circular economy with blockchain-based component tracking.

IHMM Ship Recycling
Partnership
2022

Hapag-Lloyd — IHM Maintenance Services Partnership

Varuna Sentinels BV was selected to provide IHM Maintenance for the Hapag-Lloyd fleet using its cloud-based VSIMS software. Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world's largest container shipping lines.

IHMM
Partnership
2022

Interunity Management Corporation — IHM Maintenance

Varuna Sentinels BV was selected to provide IHM Maintenance Services for Interunity Management Corporation S.A.'s fleet using its cloud-based VSIMS software.

IHMM
Certification
Ongoing

DNV Veracity Solution Partner

Varuna Sentinels BV is a Solution Partner on DNV's Veracity marketplace, indicating a formal technology partnership with DNV for maritime digital solutions.

General
DNV Veracity Verified
Milestone
Ongoing

Global Presence — 5 Offices Worldwide

Varuna Sentinels BV has expanded to 5 offices across the Netherlands, Singapore, and India, bringing 15+ years of maritime compliance experience.

General
VS Events & Exhibitions

Meet Varuna Sentinels BV at Maritime Events Worldwide

Come and meet our team at these industry exhibitions and conferences. We showcase the full VS Solutions platform — IHM Maintenance, ESG Reporting, Live Reporting Portal, Computer-Based Training, VSMPS Marine Procurement and VS Life Cycle Assessment.

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Exhibition

Posidonia 2026

June 1, 2026June 5, 2026
Stand 3.269 / Hall 3
Metropolitan Expo, Athens, Greece

Varuna Sentinels BV will be exhibiting at Posidonia 2026 — the world’s most prestigious maritime event held in Athens. Meet our team to discuss EU ETS, UK ETS, FuelEU Maritime, CII compliance, IHM maintenance under HKC + EUSRR, and see the full VS Solutions platform in action at the heart of the global shipping capital.

IHM Maintenance ESG Reporting VSMPS Procurement LCA +4 more
Last Attended
Our Most Recent Event

Sea Japan 2026

April 22, 2026April 24, 2026
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
Booth: 4F-06

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at Sea Japan 2026 (Stand 4F-06, Tokyo Big Sight) — the premier maritime exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region. Our team engaged with Japanese shipowners, technical managers and class society partners on EU ETS reporting, FuelEU Maritime, CII optimisation, IMO Net-Zero Framework readiness, and demonstrated the integrated VS Solutions platform including CyberSmart AI for maritime compliance.

IHM Maintenance ESG Reporting Live Reporting LCA CyberSmart AI +2 more

2026

2 events attended
AttendedExhibition

Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026

March 18, 2026March 20, 2026
Singapore
Booth: E-J33

Varuna Sentinels BV participated in Asia Pacific Maritime 2026 — the region’s premier maritime trade show — showcasing the full VS Solutions platform and our comprehensive compliance toolkit for EU ETS, UK ETS, FuelEU Maritime, CII and IHM Maintenance to shipowners, managers and operators across the Asia-Pacific region.

IHM MaintenanceESG ReportingLive ReportingVSMPSLCA+2 more

2025

4 events attended
AttendedExhibition

Sea Asia 2025

March 25, 2025
Singapore

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at the 10th edition of Sea Asia — the premier maritime conference and exhibition in Asia. We engaged with shipowners, operators and technical managers on EU ETS compliance, FuelEU Maritime pooling and the VS Solutions platform.

IHM MaintenanceESG ReportingLive ReportingVSMPS+2 more
AttendedExhibition

Bari-Ship 2025

May 22, 2025
Imabari, Japan

Varuna Sentinels BV participated in Bari-Ship 2025 in Imabari — the heart of Japan’s largest maritime industry cluster. We connected with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and operators to discuss emissions compliance, the VS Solutions platform and IHM maintenance under the Hong Kong Convention.

IHM MaintenanceESG ReportingLCALive Reporting+2 more
AttendedExhibition

Europort 2025

November 4, 2025
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at Europort 2025 in our home port of Rotterdam. With full EU ETS 100% coverage approaching in 2026 and UK ETS launching in July, we engaged with the European maritime community on compliance readiness and the VS Solutions platform.

IHM MaintenanceCircular Maritime EconomyESG ReportingLCA+3 more
AttendedExhibition

Marintec China 2025

December 2, 2025
Shanghai, China

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at Marintec China 2025 — the largest international maritime exhibition in Asia-Pacific. We showcased the VS Solutions platform and compliance solutions to the Chinese and global maritime community at this landmark event spanning over 100,000 sqm.

IHM MaintenanceESG ReportingLCAVSMPS+3 more

2024

2 events attended
AttendedExhibition

Posidonia 2024

June 3, 2024
Athens, Greece

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at Posidonia 2024 — the world’s most prestigious maritime event. With the EU ETS maritime extension just months into its first year at 40% coverage and FuelEU Maritime approaching, we engaged with the global shipping community on compliance strategies and the VS Solutions platform.

IHM MaintenanceESG ReportingLCAVSMPS+2 more
AttendedExhibition

SMM Hamburg 2024

September 3, 2024
Hamburg, Germany

Varuna Sentinels BV attended SMM 2024 — the world’s leading maritime trade fair. With over 2,000 exhibitors and 40,000 participants from 120+ countries, SMM provided an ideal platform to present our compliance solutions and the VS Solutions platform to the global maritime industry.

IHM MaintenanceESG ReportingLCAVSMPS+2 more

2023

1 event attended
AttendedExhibition

Europort 2023

November 7, 2023
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at Europort 2023 — one of the world’s largest maritime B2B platforms. With 26,000 professional visitors and 1,040 exhibiting companies, we presented our IHM maintenance, ESG reporting and VS Solutions platform in our home port of Rotterdam.

IHM MaintenanceCircular Maritime EconomyLCA+2 more

2022

1 event attended
AttendedExhibition

Posidonia 2022

June 6, 2022
Athens, Greece

Varuna Sentinels BV exhibited at Posidonia 2022 — which attracted nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 88 countries and over 28,000 visitors. We presented our maritime compliance services and early VS Solutions platform capabilities as the industry prepared for the landmark EU ETS maritime extension.

IHM MaintenanceCircular Maritime EconomyESG ReportingLCA+2 more

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