Jan 6 / Maritime Trainer

January 2026 Maritime Review: Agentic Contracts, Maritime Single Window, and 2028 Regulatory Updates

The January 2026 issue of the Maritime Review examines the digital transformation processes shaping the future of the maritime industry, new emission regulations, and critical safety lessons. This month's analysis covers a wide technical spectrum, from operational efficiency to crew well-being.

Digital Transformation: Agentic Contracts and the Single Window Era

The maritime sector is moving towards digitalization to reduce manual workloads and accelerate global trade:

Agentic Contracts:

A pilot project launched by BIMCO and Hunit aims to transform standard contracts into "self-performing agents" that can execute terms in the real world.

MSW Revolution in Africa:

A sub-regional workshop in Côte d'Ivoire aimed to advance the implementation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) system across 12 French-speaking African nations to increase operational efficiency.

Operational Surveillance and Maritime Security

Modern surveillance technologies and regional security projects are at the heart of maritime safety:

Eyes in the Sky

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has selected the Airbus Flexrotor UAS system to enhance coast guard capabilities and conduct multi-purpose monitoring in European waters.

Regional Collaboration

During the EU Regional Maritime Security Week in Nairobi, the IMO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Red Sea and East Africa.

Regulation and Safety: 2028 NOx Amendments

Updates to environmental protection and operational safety standards form the basis of strategic planning:

NOx Technical Code:

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has detailed critical amendments to the NOx Technical Code for marine diesel engines, which will apply to new engines starting January 1, 2028.

Arctic Report:

A report by the World Maritime University (WMU) suggests that the Arctic's economic potential is overstated and emphasizes the need for protective measures, such as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), to preserve biodiversity.

Safety Lessons Learned:
Post-drydock Oversight and Collision at Anchorage


Real-life case studies remind us that simple oversights can lead to significant risks:

Post-Drydock Oversight:

On a vessel recently out of drydock, an unsecured manhole cover led to the flooding of the fire pump trunk, demonstrating the vital importance of post-docking verifications.

 Collision at Anchorage:

An analysis of a collision in a congested anchorage highlights the risks of being a "sitting target" and the limited maneuverability of anchored vessels.

Health Focus: Oral Health and Sleep Onboard

Seafarer oral health and sleep quality are integral parts of safe operations:
  • Oral Health: Maintaining oral health and proper nutrition is critical, as access to dental services is often limited during long contract periods.

  • Quality Sleep: To reduce fatigue from irregular shifts, recommendations include creating a quiet/dark environment and using vitamin supplements to support sleep health.

Expand Your Knowledge with New Maritime Trainer Courses

Stay compliant and ready for the future by exploring our latest specialized courses, designed to enhance crew competency in critical areas
  • REMO013 - IGF CODE: An introduction to the safety code for ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels, ensuring safe operations with fuels like LNG.
  • REMO019 - ISPS CODE INTERNAL AUDITOR: Equips professionals with the skills to verify compliance and identify security risks according to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
  • REMO020 - MLC INTERNAL AUDITOR: Provides essential knowledge and practical skills to conduct effective internal audits in line with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
  • TSEC001 - ECDIS (FURUNO FMD-3200 / 3300): Hands-on operational training for Furuno ECDIS systems, covering route planning, chart management, and regulatory compliance.
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January 2026 Maritime Health and Safety Bulletin