2026 International Grain Code Compliance Support

The International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (International Grain Code) sets the standards for stowage, stability, and loading safety of grain cargoes. As of 2026, enhanced enforcement and revised compliance documentation standards will apply under SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 9.

Loading Safety,
Stability Calculations & Documentation for Bulk Grain Carriers

Whether you are preparing for a new certification, converting a vessel, or updating an aging Grain Stability Booklet, HEC provides technical insight, regulatory fluency, and engineering precision to keep your vessel safe and compliant.

Loading Condition & Stability Analysis

    • Evaluation of vessel stability under various grain loading scenarios
    • Assessment of angle of heel due to grain shift, heeling moments, and GM (metacentric height) compliance
    • Generation of Grain Stability Booklets in accordance with IMO guidelines and flag state requirements

Documentation & Approval Support

    • Preparation and revision of Grain Loading Manuals, including approved loading conditions
    • Compliance with updated 2026 documentation standards for newbuilds and existing vessels including the newly required “specially suitable compartment” conditions that have holds partially filled and trimmed in way of the hatchway with untrimmed ends
    • Submission packages for flag state or classification society approval
    • Integration of grain stability documentation into CargoMax or other loading computer software

Retrofits and Consulting –
2026 Enforcement

• Evaluation of holds, feeders, and longitudinal bulkhead arrangements
• Structural assessments to confirm suitability for grain carriage
• Design and documentation for grain fitting installations or reinforcements, if required by regulatory updates

Why It Matters

The 2026 update to the International Grain Code, adopted via IMO Resolution MSC.552(108), introduces one key change:: A new, optional fourth loading condition allowing certain partly-filled compartments with untrimmed ends, but only in specially suitable holds. To qualify:

    • Grain must reach at least the bottom of hatch end beams with the ends untrimmed.

    • The compartment qualifies as specially suitable as defined in the Code.

What this means for operators:

    • New heeling moment and volume curves must be developed.

    • Grain Loading Manuals and loading computers must be updated and approved by Class.

    • This does not alter existing three classic conditions; filled trimmed, filled untrimmed, and partially filled, or broader cargo handling standards.

While this formalizes a long-practiced but previously unregulated loading scenario, it introduces new documentation and compliance obligations before the January 1, 2026 enforcement date.

Non-compliance with the International Grain Code can result in:

    • Voyage delays due to Port State Control detention

    • Invalidated cargo insurance

    • Serious safety risks during heavy weather or emergency conditions

Download ABS Amendments to the Grain Code

Key changes from the current International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (Grain Code) vs. the amendments effective January 1,  2026 (IMO Resolution MSC.552(108)).

Topic Current Code (pre-2026) Amended Code (from 1 Jan 2026)
Recognized Loading Conditions 1. Filled compartment – trimmed ends
2. Filled compartment – untrimmed ends
3. Partly filled compartment (ends assumed trimmed)(Source: DNV)		 A fourth condition: “specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed.” (Source: DNV)
Trimming Requirement for Ends For partly‑filled holds, the ends outside the hatch opening traditionally must be trimmed to assume minimal voids and to limit grain‑shift moments. (Source: DNV) For the new loading type, trimming the ends outside the hatch opening is not required, provided fill level is at or above bottom of hatch end beams and compartment qualifies as “specially suitable”. (Source: Loyd’s Register)
Calculation Guidance (Grain Shift & Heeling Moment) Calculations assume trimmed ends for partly‑filled holds, meaning voids limited and shift moment assumptions conservative based on trimmed geometry. (Source: North Standard) New calculation curves and assumptions introduced for the untrimmed‑ends condition: e.g., assume natural slope (≈ 30°) for grain surface outside hub opening, revised moment/volume curves per hold, updated GM/heel calculations. (Source: Marine Public)
Applicability / Effective Date Applied to bulk grain carriers under the Code; the three original conditions remained standard for both newbuilds and existing vessels. Amendments apply Jan 1,  2026. Mandatory for newbuilds with keel laid on or after this date; existing vessels may adopt via manual addendum/approval if using the new loading type. (Source: DNV)

LET’S TALK

Get ahead of the 2026 enforcement to ensure your vessels meet the updated requirements