IMSML Web Article 4/2026: Resolution MSC.552(108) – Amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk under Resolution MSC.29(59)
Are the provisions in force?
Resolution MSC.552(108) was made on 23 May 2024. It was deemed to have been accepted on 1 July 2025, unless, prior to that date, more than one third (1/3) of the Contracting Governments to the Convention or Contracting Governments the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 50percent of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant fleet have notified the Secretary-General of their objections to the amendments. Resolutions MSC.552(108) entered into force in Malaysia on 1 January 2026 via Malaysian Shipping Notice (MSN) 06/2024, issued on 16 October 2024.
What is the new definition of suitability for the carriage of grain in bulk?
A new Paragraph 2.8 defines it as a ‘specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch
opening, with ends untrimmed’. This new provision goes on to explain the following three (3) features of such a compartment:
[1] A specially suitable compartment which is not filled to the maximum extent possible in way of the hatch opening;
[2] The compartment is filled to a level equal with or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams;
[3] The compartment has not been trimmed outside the periphery of the hatch opening.
These features are elaborated on in a new Paragraph 10.4 which explains that:
[1] The compartment is to be partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed;
[2] The bulk grain shall be filled to a level equal with or above the bottom edge of the hatch end beams;
[3] The bulk grain may be at its natural angle of repose outside the periphery of the hatch opening.
Note, that dispensation may be granted from trimming the ends of that compartment.
What happens post-loading?
A re-numbered Paragraph 10.7 provides that:
[1] All free grain surfaces in partly filled compartments shall be level unless the compartment is partly filled;
[2] The free grain surface in way of the hatch opening only shall be level.
What are the general assumptions made under these new Rules?
There are several assumptions documented in a new Paragraph 1.1.5:
[1] Specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed" which is exempted from trimming;
[2] The surface of the grain after loading will slope in all directions away from the filling area at an angle of 30° from the lower edge of the hatch end beam;
[3] If feeding holes are provided in the hatch end beams and the free grain surface in way of the hatch opening is above the level of the feeding holes, then the surface of the grain after loading shall be assumed to slope in all directions, at an angle of 30° from a line on the hatch end beam which is the mean of the peaks and valleys of the actual grain surface.
A new Paragraph 1.5 introduced another assumption.
In "partly filled compartments" and "specially suitable compartments, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed", the adverse effect of the vertical shift of grain surfaces shall be taken into account as follows:
Total heeling moment = 1.12 x calculated transverse heeling moment."
There is also a new Section 4 which is titled:
Assumed volumetric heeling moment of a specially suitable compartment, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed.
The new Section 4 provides that ‘all the provisions for "filled compartments, trimmed" set forth shall also apply to "specially suitable compartments, partly filled in way of the hatch opening, with ends untrimmed".
Thank you for reading IMSML Web Article 4/2026
Stay tuned for the next IMSML Web Article 5/2026: Resolution MSC.553(108) – Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carrier and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code)
Signing-off for today,
Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT
Professor of Maritime and Transport Law
Faculty of Law
Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam
Selangor, Malaysia
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my