The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has amended the Grain Code to allow partly filled grain holds with untrimmed ends, improving safety and flexibility. the change will take effect 1 January 2026.
Background & Reason for Amendments
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted significant amendments to the Grain Code via Resolution MSC.552(108) at the 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in May 2024, which will come into effect on 1 January 2026.
Historically, the Grain Code recognised three loading conditions for grain cargoes:
- filled compartments (trimmed)
- filled compartments (untrimmed)
- partly filled compartments.
However, practical loading scenarios - especially in “specially suitable compartments” with longitudinal grain-tight divisions - were not fully addressed, leading to uncertainty and potential safety risks when compartments were partly filled in way of the hatch opening with ends untrimmed.
What Are the Amendments?
The amendments introduced a fourth, previously unaddressed loading condition: “specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed.” In this scenario, the compartment is filled to or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams, but not to the maximum possible level, and the ends outside the hatch coaming are left untrimmed. The grain outside the hatch opening may rest at its natural angle of repose, and only the free grain surface in way of the hatch opening must be level.
Why the Amendments? What is the impact on loading grain cargoes? What do ships have to do now? Do the amendments apply to all ships? What are the class recommendations?
Answers to the above can be found under Cargo section/International Grain Code (member login required).
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