Electronic Inclinometers Required from 2026: What Maritime Professionals Should Prepare
Maritime safety is taking another step forward. As of January 1, 2026, the IMO (International Maritime Organization) is making the installation of electronic inclinometers mandatory on certain new ships.
This concrete measure was adopted through the SOLAS Convention to better prevent accidents related to roll and loss of stability.
Who is affected?
Two types of ships built after January 1, 2026 are covered:
Container ships of 3,000 GT or more
Bulk carriers of 3,000 GT or more
➡️ If you already operate existing vessels, don’t panic: the rule is not retroactive. But be aware that some countries could tighten their own regulations.
An electronic... inclinometer?
It’s a device that measures the ship’s roll (side-to-side motions). But electronic models go further:
- They record the ship’s motions in real time
- They alert the crew when thresholds are critical
- They automatically send the data to the VDR (the ship’s black box)
In short, a tool that is as preventive as it is reactive.
What SOLAS actually requires
The inclinometer must:
- Be fixed and integrated into the ship
- Send its data to the VDR or an equivalent system
- Be visible from the bridge
The goal? To help the crew maintain control, even in rough seas.
And for shipyards and designers?
The time to act is now. From the design stage:
Plan for the space, power supply, and interconnection of the device
Ensure compliance with IMO standards
Integrate the device into the ship’s overall architecture
And what about shipowners?
If you’re awaiting delivery of a ship after 2026, make sure that:
The inclinometer is properly planned and installed
Your crews are trained to use it
It’s included in your maintenance procedures and ISM audits
Canada Focus 🇨🇦
Transport Canada has not yet transposed this rule into its regulations; therefore, it will apply de facto to all SOLAS ships built after January 1, 2026.
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