A New Era for Offshore Safety
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has ushered in a significant regulatory update with the introduction of mandatory safety requirements for anchor handling winches and associated equipment. Enshrined in SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13, these new rules enter into force on 1 January 2026 and will impact a wide range of vessels in the offshore sector. This article, based on the latest DNV news update, provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, timelines, and actionable steps for ship owners, managers, and maritime stakeholders to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Who Needs to Act? Understanding the Scope
The new regulations apply to vessels holding a safety construction certificate (CCC, CSSC, or PSSC) that possess the capability to install, arrange, shift, and remove anchors of offshore units and subsea installations. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs)
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Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels
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Offshore service vessels
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Other tugs and supply vessels with anchor handling functions
Crucially, these requirements pertain solely to the handling of anchors for offshore units, not a vessel’s own anchoring equipment. Both new and existing anchor handling winch systems fall under the scope of this update.
Key Compliance Requirements at a Glance
To comply with SOLAS II-1/3-13, anchor handling winches and associated equipment must meet three core mandates:
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Design & Certification: Equipment must be designed, constructed, and installed according to the rules of the vessel’s class society or equivalent standards. For new equipment installed on or after 1 January 2026, certification will be mandatory.
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Rigorous Testing & Examination: Annual and five-yearly thorough examinations and testing are required. Additional examinations must be performed when necessary, such as after repairs or modifications.
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Regular Maintenance & Inspection: A documented regime of routine maintenance and inspection is essential for ongoing compliance.
Implementation Timeline: Key Dates for Your Diary
The application of these rules depends on your vessel’s status:
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Newbuildings Delivered On or After 1 Jan 2026: Must comply fully upon delivery. Equipment certified under DNV’s “Anchor handling” notation before this date may follow specific transitional principles.
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Retrofit of New Winches After 1 Jan 2026: Any anchor handling winch installed on or after this date must have class certification proving compliance.
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Existing Fleet (In-Service Vessels): Compliance is typically required upon the first class renewal survey completed on or after 1 January 2026. DNV will issue retroactive requirements (RR) to guide owners through documentation submission via their DATE platform.
Clssification Note: DNV’s Streamlined Service for Seamless Compliance
DNV has developed a dedicated survey and certification service to facilitate this regulatory shift. Key features include:
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Harmonized Surveys: Survey schedules for anchor handling winches are now aligned with class annual and renewal surveys. This integration minimizes vessel downtime and operational disruption by consolidating survey activities.
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Digital Documentation & Tracking: Compliance will be documented via new electronic certificates for Anchor Handling Winches/Equipment (AHW/AHWF), visible in the Fleet Status portal on Veracity. Pending surveys and requirements will be clearly listed within upcoming renewal survey windows.
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Clear Deficiency Management: Any findings will be recorded as remarks linked to the AHW/AHWF certificate, specifying if the equipment can remain in use, ensuring transparency and safety.
Actionable Recommendations for Ship Owners & Managers
To prepare effectively for the 2026 deadline, DNV advises the following steps:
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Leverage Digital Tools: Use the Compliance Planner in DNV’s Fleet Status portal (via Veracity) to review affected vessels and track progress.
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Plan for New Equipment: For any anchor handling winches to be installed on or after 1 January 2026, ensure the order includes design approval and a product certificate from your class society.
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Prepare for Renewal Surveys: Focus on the first renewal survey after the entry-into-force date. All necessary survey tasks will be accessible through the main class renewal survey window in the Fleet Status portal.
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Review All New Lifting Appliance Rules: Note that the same SOLAS regulation also introduces new requirements for lifting appliances. Refer to DNV News No. 30/2025 for detailed information on this related topic.
Conclusion: Proactive Preparation is Paramount
The new IMO requirements for anchor handling winches mark a critical step forward in enhancing operational safety for the global offshore fleet. With the 1 January 2026 deadline approaching, proactive planning and engagement with your class society are essential. By understanding the scope, timeline, and utilizing available tools and services from DNV, ship owners and managers can ensure a efficient path to compliance, safeguarding both their crew and assets.
Stay ahead of maritime regulatory changes. For detailed guidance and to access compliance tools, visit the official DNV Maritime website or your Veracity portal today.