KR Publishes Guidance to Support Industry Ahead of 2028 IGC Code Amendments

Why It Matters

The guidance helps shipbuilders and owners align design and procurement with a tight 18‑month compliance window, safeguarding project schedules and regulatory conformity. Early industry preparation reduces risk of costly retrofits and supports IMO’s greenhouse‑gas reduction goals.

Key Takeaways

• IGC Code amendments effective July 1, 2028.
• 2,600 LNG/LPG carriers operating; 650 on order.
• Amendments use keel‑laying date for applicability.
• KR identified 97 amendment items, issued guidance.
• KR proposes shifting applicability to contract date.

Pulse Analysis

The International Maritime Organization’s overhaul of the IGC Code reflects a broader industry shift toward greener propulsion and stricter emissions standards. Since 2022, IMO’s Sub‑Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers has been drafting changes that incorporate advanced LNG and LPG technologies, aiming to cut greenhouse‑gas output across the global fleet. By scheduling approval at MSC‑111 and formal adoption later in the year, the agency creates a clear regulatory timeline that culminates in the July 2028 entry‑into‑force date, giving stakeholders a finite window to adapt.

For shipbuilders, the timing is critical. Clarksons Research estimates roughly 2,600 LNG and LPG carriers are already in service, with an additional 650 vessels on order, meaning a substantial portion of new builds will fall under the revised code. The 18‑month gap between adoption and enforcement compresses design finalization, equipment procurement, and certification activities. Moreover, the amendment’s novel reliance on the keel‑laying date—rather than the contract signing date—could create disparate compliance requirements for ships ordered under a single contract but laid down at different times, potentially disrupting production sequencing and cost forecasts.

Korean Register has positioned itself as a pivotal facilitator by dissecting 97 specific amendment items and issuing targeted technical guidance. Its outreach includes seminars with major Korean shipyards such as Samsung Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai, as well as four formal submissions to IMO addressing interpretational ambiguities. Notably, KR is advocating for a regulatory shift back to the contract‑date benchmark, a move supported by the Active Shipbuilding Experts’ Federation and the Panama Maritime Authority. This proactive stance not only eases the transition for shipbuilders but also reinforces KR’s reputation as a trusted advisor in maritime safety and environmental compliance.