New Loading Condition Amendment in Grain Code for 2026

New Loading Condition amendments to the International Grain Code have been announced and will come into force on 1 January 2026. Hence, SOLAS requires that ships carrying grain on international voyages comply with the International Grain Code, which includes carrying an approved grain loading manual.

What is changing?

As well as several administrative changes, there is a change to the required loading conditions. Currently, the grain code requires three loading conditions.The amendment adds a fourth optional loading condition: Specially suitable compartment, partly filled in the way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed. Essentially, this allows for the grain under the cross deck to be untrimmed.

Background

On May 23, 1991, the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk was adopted by resolution MSC.23(59) Grain Code) and clearly described, defined, and provided specific requirements for loading conditions in three classifications:

1. Filled compartments, trimmed – the bulk grain shall be trimmed to fill all spaces under the decks and hatch covers to the maximum extent possible.
2. Filled compartments, untrimmed – the bulk grain shall be filled to the maximum extent possible in the way of the hatch opening, but may be at its natural angle of repose outside the periphery of the hatch opening.
3. Partly filled compartments – refers to any cargo space wherein the bulk grain is not loaded in the manner prescribed by the other two conditions.

While these three loading conditions are thoroughly covered by the Grain Code, they may not adequately address all practical scenarios observed when loading ships with grain.

Section A 2.7 of the Grain Code defines a “specially suitable compartment” as the cargo space which is constructed with at least two vertical or sloping, longitudinal, grain-tight divisions which are coincident with the hatch side girders or are so positioned as to limit the effect of any transverse shift of grain. In case of sloping, the divisions shall form an inclination of not less than 30° to the horizontal.

One commonly observed loading condition involves a “specially suitable compartment”, as defined in section A 2.7 of the Grain Code, being filled to or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams, but not reaching the maximum possible level at the hatch opening, and with the ends (outside of the hatch coaming) untrimmed. This situation was not specifically addressed in the Grain Code, leading to uncertainty in its application, which may result in a lack of necessary information to evaluate the safety of a ship under this loading condition.

Developments

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted resolution MSC.552(108) at its 108th session in May 2024, which includes amendments to the Grain Code.

A new class of loading conditions for special compartments, which are defined as “specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed”, is introduced. This definition refers to a compartment that is not filled to the maximum extent possible in way of the hatch opening but is filled to a level equal with or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams and has not been trimmed outside the periphery of the hatch opening by the provisions of regulation A /10.4 of the Grain Code.

In such compartments, the bulk grain shall be filled to a level equal to or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams, but may be at its natural angle of repose outside the periphery of the hatch opening. After loading, only the free grain surface in the way of the hatch opening shall be level. A compartment may qualify for this classification if it is “specially suitable” as defined in regulation A/2.7 of the Grain Code, in which case, dispensation may be granted from trimming the ends of that compartment. Additional amendments in Part B of the Grain Code addressing calculation assumptions have also been made to provide guidance on the assumed slope of the cargo when partly filled in way of the hatch opening with ends untrimmed, for the purpose of determining the assumed volumetric heeling moment.

Application

The amendments will enter into force on January 1, 2026. They will apply to both new and existing ships that transport grain in bulk, under the newly defined set of loading conditions, starting from that date.

Actions for Compliance

Whilst the amended condition is not mandatory, if members wish to carry grain in this newly outlined condition, they would need to approach their flag/classification society to insert and approve these amendments. Ships that are intended to transport grain under the newly defined class of loading conditions, on or after January 1, 2026, should take into account the following:

1. The ship’s grain loading stability manual shall be updated to meet the amendments of the Grain Code in accordance with resolution MSC.552(108) and submitted to the ship’s Flag Administration or Recognized Organization (RO) for approval.
2. Alternatively, an addendum to the approved grain loading stability manual with the new condition, may be prepared and submitted for approval.
3. The grain loading computer, which meets the amendments to the Grain Code, needs to be prepared and submitted for approved by ship’s Flag Administration or Recognized Organization (RO).

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