The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a new mandatory regulation for onboard anchor handling winches: SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Regulation II-1/3-13 with associated Guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1662. The aim is to provide a uniform level of safety for anchor handling equipment design, construction and installation, as well as to stipulate consistent requirements for periodical examinations, tests, maintenance, inspections and operation. The new regulations targets both new and existing vessels.
This new regulation will enter into force on 1 January 2026.
The new IMO requirements for anchor handling winches, associated equipment and loose gear will apply to vessels with a safety construction certificate (CCC, CSSC or PSSC) and vessels with the ability to install, arrange, shift and remove anchors of offshore units and subsea installations (e.g. offshore service vessels and anchor handling tugs). The requirements are NOT related to the handling of a vessel’s own anchors.
Applicable DNV class notation requirements for anchor handling equipment during design, construction and installation are aligned with our interpretation of SOLAS requirements and found in DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.5 Ch.9 Sec.1 [3] and [4], and Sec.3 [1] and [3]. For anchor handling equipment during operation, requirements are found in DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.7 Ch.3 Sec.5 [6].
To support compliance with these new SOLAS requirements, DNV is launching a survey and certification service. This service will provide design approval, manufacturing surveys, product certification, thorough examinations, tests, and the issuance of required compliance documentation for anchor handling equipment.