In the marine industry, safety is the foremost priority of every voyage. As seas grow busier and ships become larger and more advanced, maintaining stability and operational awareness has never been more essential. Now, it’s important to move to strengthen maritime safety standards. 

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted a new regulation under SOLAS chapter(19.2.12) which will be effective as of January  01, 2026. The law indicates that all new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000 gross tonnage and above to be equipped with electronic inclinometers, advanced instruments that monitor and record a vessel’s heel(tilt)  and roll motions. The inclinometers continuously send real-time roll and heel data to the voyage data recorder (VDR) offering essential data into a ship’s stability and performance at sea.

This development is considered a significant step towards enhancing operational integrity, transparency, and data-driven navigation. Through ensuring that accurate motion information is continuously recorded, vessel operators and auditors can better understand ship behavior during rough sea conditions, it helps to prevent accidents such as container losses, cargo shifts, and overturn incidents. These changes show that the navigation intelligence is moving toward digital integration and more advanced safety measures, in addition to compliance. This shows that the IMO is committed to protecting both lives and maritime resources.

WHAT IS ELECTRONIC INCLINOMETER?

An electronic inclinometers, a navigational device, that helps to measure, display, and record a ship’s angle of tilt and roll movement at sea. It keeps sending the VDR precise roll angle data so the crew can understand how stable the ship is and take the right steps during bad weather or when the cargo is sensitive. The inclinometers use sensitive motion sensors to detect small changes in the ship’s angle. 

APPLICABILITY OF NEW REGULATION

The new regulation applies to:

• New bulk carriers and container ships of 3,000 GT and above, constructed on or after 01 January 2026, are required to be fitted with electronic inclinometers.

It does not apply to:

• Existing bulk carriers and container ships before 01 January 2026.
• General cargo ships that occasionally carry container or bulk cargo.

BENEFIT FOR THE MARINE INDUSTRY

This new compliance requirement  helps the maritime industry in many ways:

• Live heel and roll data improves awareness during the heavy weather, reducing the risks to crew and cargo.
• Recorded data helps to identify causes of cargo shifts or capsizing incidents, enabling better preventive strategies. 
• Standardized data collection fosters consistency in international safety reporting.
• The integration of electronic inclinometers and VDR systems leads towards smart, connected shipping, where technology, safety and sustainability align.

IMPACT ON SHIPOWNERS/BUILDERS

The SOLAS regulation V(19.2.12), coming into force on 01 January 2026, requires shipowners, constructors and shipyards must begin with preparing to ensure smooth compliance. Here is what they are doing:

• Make sure that electronic inclinometers are incorporated during the vessel design and construction phase.

• Ensure the inclinometer is IMO approved, in accordance with resolution MSC.363(92)

• Coordinate the VDR integration with the shipyard or service provider to ensure smooth installation and proper data connection.

• Following the IMO amendments, shipowners must ensure that the Electronic Inclinometer is listed under the navigational equipment section, and the vessel’s Record of Equipment (Form E/C) accurately reflects the new installation.

• Coordinates with classification societies to verify that vessels’ documentation and safety certificates reflect new amendments. 

MASTER SYSTEMS – PARTNER FOR IMO 2026 COMPLIANCE

With global coverage, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional maritime solutions. Across the UAE, Singapore, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Oman, and India. We provide IMO compliant electronic inclinometers designed for high accuracy, seamless integration, and durability in harsh marine environments. Our systems are approved with MSC.363.(92) standards and can be supplied to both new and retrofit installations. 

With dynamic accuracy, compatibility with VDR and BAMS, and operator-adjusted alarms, our solutions ensure vessels meet the latest IMO and class society efficiency and requirements.

BUILDING A SAFER FUTURE AT SEA

The new IMO amendment makes maritime seafarers more transparent, efficient and safe through launching the inclinometers in the shipping industry. It’s moving towards greater precision, accountability, and resilience. Ship owners and builders ensure the regulation to strengthen the navigation intelligence to create trust and integrity. 

FAQs- INCLINOMETER REGULATION

1. What is the new IMO regulation about?

All new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT and above must be equipped with an electronic inclinometer to record heel(tilt) and roll data for the VDR. 

2. Why did the IMO introduce this requirement?

The regulation aims to improve safety, stability awareness, and accident prevention, especially for vessels prone to cargo shift, container loss, and heavy rolling.

3. Which ships must comply?

All newly constructed bulk carriers and container ships weighing  3,000 GT or more.(keel laid on or after 01 January 2026)

4. Which ships are NOT required to comply?

• Existing vessels built before 01 January 2026
  
• General cargo ships that occasionally carry containers or bulk
  

5. What does an electronic inclinometer do?

It measures and records the ship’s heel and roll motions and sends the data directly to the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR).