From 1 January 2026, new requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will come into force for container vessels and bulk carriers. Electronic inclinometers will then be mandatory for newbuildings with a gross tonnage of 3,000 and above. The objective of this regulation is to improve stability monitoring, prevent accidents such as container losses or capsizing, and provide the bridge team with reliable real-time data.

With Hoppe Marine’s Electronic Inclinometer, shipowners, shipyards and system integrators already have access to a proven solution that fully complies with the new IMO requirements – while also delivering clear added value for safe and efficient vessel operation.

Background to the New SOLAS Requirements

The mandatory installation of electronic inclinometers is based on amendments to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19, adopted through IMO Resolution MSC.532(107). The requirements apply to:

• Container vessels and bulk carriers
• Gross tonnage above 3,000
• Newbuildings with keel laying on or after 1 January 2026

The equipment must meet the performance standards defined in IMO Resolution MSC.363(92) and transmit its measurement data to the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), where the data is displayed and recorded.

Why Electronic Inclinometers Are Essential

The increasing size of modern vessels and the growing number of containers lost at sea have highlighted how critical accurate monitoring of roll and heel angles has become. Particularly on bulk carriers, incorrect or missing inclination data can lead to serious stability issues, posing significant risks to crew, cargo and the environment.

Electronic inclinometers provide continuous, precise real-time data that:

• improves decision-making on the bridge,
• supports effective stability management, and
• provides a reliable data basis for accident investigations in the event of an incident.

Hoppe Marine: IMO-Compliant Technology from a Single Source

Hoppe Marine’s Electronic Inclinometer has been specifically designed for professional maritime applications and complies with all relevant IMO and SOLAS requirements. Key benefits include:

• High measurement accuracy for roll and heel angles
• Real-time data transmission to the VDR
• Robust marine-grade design for continuous operation in harsh environments
• Easy integration into existing navigation and bridge systems

This makes the system ideally suited for newbuildings subject to the 2026 regulations, as well as for shipowners who wish to adopt the highest safety standards today.

A Future-Proof Investment for Shipyards and Shipowners

Even though the new regulations do not apply to existing vessels or certain exemptions such as general cargo ships, the overall trend is clear: transparent stability data and digital monitoring systems will play an increasingly important role in the maritime industry. With Hoppe Marine’s Electronic Inclinometer, operators choose a future-proof, compliant and proven solution that enhances both safety and operational efficiency.

Conclusion:
The IMO regulations from 2026 make electronic inclinometers mandatory – Hoppe Marine’s Electronic Inclinometer turns this requirement into a competitive advantage.

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