10/2026: IMO approves International Gas Code 2028 amendments
A key set of amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) has been given final approval. The 111th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) gave the green light to the changes in May 2026, with formal adoption scheduled for December of the same year.
Here’s the essential information shipowners, operators, managers, and masters need to know about the upcoming IGC Code 2028 amendments.
Key Dates for Compliance
The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2028. However, a “three-date application system” determines which ships are considered “new” and must meet the new design and construction standards.
A ship is defined as “new” and must comply with the 2028 amendments if it meets any of the following criteria:
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The building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2028; or
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In the absence of a building contract, the keel is laid or the ship is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2029; or
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The ship is delivered on or after 1 July 2032.
For existing ships (constructed before 1 July 2028), amendments that require design or construction changes will not be retroactively applied, but certain operational and administrative revisions will come into effect for all vessels.
What is Changing? Overview of Key Amendments
The amendments are extensive, incorporating nearly 100 individual items that address safety, design, and operational clarity. Key areas of focus include:
| Amendment Area | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Alternative Fuels & “One Ship, One Code” | Clarified regulatory framework; gas carriers using ammonia as fuel will be regulated under IGC Code, not IGF Code. |
| Structural Analysis | Mandated application of finite element analysis (FEA) for the design and assessment of Type C tanks. |
| New Cargo & Fuel Types | Incorporated provisions for the safe carriage of CO₂ cargoes and use of LPG, ethane, and toxic cargoes (e.g., ammonia) as fuel. |
| Emergency Systems & Documentation | Enhanced and clarified the Causes and Effects Matrix for Emergency Shut Down (ESD) systems. |
| Cargo Handling | Updated requirements for cargo tank filling limits to enhance safety margins. |
Other Technical Revisions
Beyond the major items above, the 2028 amendments package includes revisions to a wide range of detailed technical and safety matters, such as:
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Closing devices for air intakes and openings to accommodation spaces.
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Segregation arrangements for cargo machinery spaces and turret arrangements.
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Clarification of firefighting equipment requirements, overflow control, and ventilation-capacity and gas-detection calculation requirements.
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Inert-gas piping valve requirements and pressure-relief arrangements for gas-fired internal combustion engines.
International Certificate of Fitness
To align with the new three-date system, the form of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk has been revised. MSC 111 confirmed that only products listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code should be included in the Certificate and clearly identified as either cargo and/or fuel in the revised table.
Consolidated Guidance: New Rules, Old Interpretations
To reduce ambiguity and create a more straightforward regulatory framework, the IMO has decided to consolidate a number of previous unified interpretations into the main body of the Code. This means that the following circulars will no longer apply to new ships constructed on or after 1 July 2028:
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MSC.1/Circ.1543
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MSC.1/Circ.1559
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MSC.1/Circ.1590
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MSC.1/Circ.1606
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MSC.1/Circ.1617
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MSC.1/Circ.1625
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MSC.1/Circ.1651
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MSC.1/Circ.1669
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MSC.1/Circ.1679
It is crucial to note that these unified interpretations will remain in effect for existing ships constructed prior to 1 July 2028.
Impact on the Industry and How to Prepare
The number of ships affected by these amendments is substantial. According to Clarksons Research, as of February 2026, there were approximately 2,600 LNG and LPG carriers in operation, with a further 650 vessels on order. The transition period between the formal adoption in December 2026 and the entry into force in July 2028 is only 18 months. This relatively short window for a rule package of this size has raised concerns about potential delays in shipbuilding schedules due to necessary design changes and equipment procurement.
✔️ Action Plan for Stakeholders
To ensure a smooth transition, shipowners, operators, managers, and masters should take proactive steps now:
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✅ Review current and future projects: Immediately assess how the “new ship” definitions affect existing newbuilding contracts and future ordering plans.
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✅ Consult with classification societies: Leverage the technical guidance and impact assessments already published by major classification societies.
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✅ Audit design and procurement processes: Ensure that designs for ships contracted after July 2028 incorporate all relevant amendments, particularly for alternative fuel systems and cargo tank design.
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✅ Update emergency and operational procedures: Revise the ESD matrix and cargo handling procedures in line with the enhanced requirements.
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✅ Prepare for Certificate renewal: Ensure that the revised Certificate of Fitness format is used for all ships that require a new or renewed certificate after 1 July 2028.
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✅ Stay informed: Monitor IMO developments closely, particularly the formal adoption at MSC 112 in December 2026.
Act Now
The IGC Code 2028 amendments represent a significant overhaul of safety and design requirements for gas carriers worldwide. With the clock ticking towards the July 2028 deadline, the time for preparation is now. By understanding the changes and taking proactive steps, the industry can ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory landscape, maintaining the highest standards of safety while embracing the technological advancements of the future.