Partnerships & Milestones
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.
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.
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.
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 Vessels without valid IHM certificates or with outdated inventories face detention, operational delays, and financial penalties.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CBT Portal — 8 Classification Society Approvals
Varuna Sentinels BV launched the Computer Based Training Portal with certificates approved by Lloyd's Register, RINA, Bureau Veritas, DNV, CCS, ABS, Korean Register, and ClassNK.
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.
RINA Service Supplier Approval — IHM Surveys
Varuna Sentinels BV was approved by RINA for conducting IHM surveys onboard ships. Valid until October 17, 2027.
Advanced Automation for Streamlined IHM Compliance
Varuna Sentinels BV introduced advanced automation to revolutionize IHM compliance, streamlining regulatory adherence and enhancing supply chain transparency.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
