Lloyd’s Class News | New SOLAS Requirements for Lifting Equipment

Scope of Application

The new regulations apply to lifting equipment for various purposes, including:

1. Lifting equipment used for loading, transferring, or unloading cargo

2. Equipment for opening/closing hatches or movable bulkheads

3. Engine room cranes

4. Marine stores cranes

5. Hose handling cranes

6. Hoisting devices for launching and recovering small boats and similar purposes

7. Lifting equipment for personnel lifting

In general, even if the safe working load (SWL) of the lifting equipment is less than 1,000 kg, it must comply with the relevant requirements, unless a special exemption is granted by the flag state administration. However, some lifting equipment for specific purposes (such as equipment on offshore construction vessels) is not within the scope of this regulation.

Requirements for New Lifting Equipment (Applicable to Equipment Installed on or After January 1, 2026)

All newly installed lifting equipment must complete a certification process before being put into use, including:

1. Drawing approval and material verification

2. Inspection and testing during manufacturing

3. Verification of component certifications (including moving parts)

4. Load testing and comprehensive inspection after installation

Lifting equipment certified or classified in accordance with Lloyd's Register's CLAME Code for Lifting Appliances is deemed to comply with the new SOLAS requirements.

Requirements for Existing Lifting Equipment (Applicable to Equipment Installed Before January 1, 2026)

According to paragraph 2.4 of SOLAS II-1/3-13, lifting equipment installed before January 1, 2026 must undergo load testing and comprehensive inspection in accordance with IMO guidelines. The equipment must be permanently marked with the SWL and be accompanied by relevant documentary evidence.

Valid certificates issued under other international conventions (such as ILO Convention No. 152) can be used for compliance verification. If valid certificates are missing (e.g., for engine room cranes), shipowners must determine an appropriate SWL for testing in accordance with IMO guidelines (paragraph 3.2.1.6).

For uncertified equipment, Lloyd's Register can witness on-site load testing and inspection and issue a factual statement to confirm compliance.

During the first renewal survey for cargo ship safety construction or passenger ship safety survey conducted after January 1, 2026, inspectors will verify the following:

1. Whether all applicable lifting equipment has been certified in accordance with recognized standards

2. Whether all lifting equipment is clearly marked with SWL and key information required for safe operation (such as maximum/minimum slewing radius, jib angle, etc.)

3. Whether all loose gear has unique identification numbers, SWL, and other necessary marks

4. Whether all lifting equipment and loose gear have undergone load testing and comprehensive inspection by qualified personnel

5. Whether operation and maintenance manuals are available

Note: Recognized standards include Lloyd's CLAME, IACS member codes, ILO Convention No. 152, or other international standards recognized by the flag state. If there is no prior certification, relevant tests and inspections must be performed by qualified personnel during the renewal survey.

Maintenance, Operation, Inspection, and Testing of All Lifting Equipment

According to paragraph 3 of SOLAS II-1/3-13, all lifting equipment and their loose gear must undergo operational testing, comprehensive inspection, routine checks, and maintenance in accordance with IMO guidelines.

Shipowners must incorporate lifting equipment into the on-board maintenance system in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, industry standards, and equipment operational needs. Maintenance and operation manuals must be kept on board. If such information is missing, it can be supplemented in accordance with IMO guidelines.

Equipment operators must receive adequate training, possess operational qualifications, and be familiar with the use of the equipment.

Regular Inspection Intervals and Inspection Flexibility

To enhance inspection flexibility, Lloyd's plans to introduce Survey Range Windows in the revised version of CLAME to be published on January 1, 2026.

Although the new SOLAS regulations do not explicitly define inspection windows, some flag states allow their use, while others explicitly prohibit them. If shipowners wish to adopt such arrangements, they can contact Lloyd's for advice and support.

It should be noted that some local authorities or port management departments may not accept such window arrangements due to requirements under ILO Convention No. 152. In such cases, shipowners may need to complete equipment certification before the end of the window period.