New IMO speed trial requirements and EEDI
certification – effective from 1 May 2026
(prepared
by Marek Czernis & Co. Law Office)
Firm note – shipbuilding and regulatory
advisory
The Law
Office: provides ongoing legal services to shipowners and shipyards, advises
on: shipbuilding contracts, sea trials and performance warranties, EEDI
certification under MARPOL Annex VI.
The new
speed trial requirements are a key contractual risk area in newbuilding
projects, which the Law Office is actively advising on.
1. Introduction
From 1 May
2026, revised speed trial requirements enter into force following:
IMO
Resolution MEPC.403(83)
These
changes affect the methodology for EEDI certification.
2. Applicable standards
From 1 May
2026, speed trials must follow: ISO 15016:2025, or ITTC 2024 Recommended
Procedure
3. Key changes
Updates
relate to: sea conditions, speed measurement, power curve development, attained
EEDI calculation.
4. Regulatory framework
EEDI
remains mandatory under: MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 22
and
requires survey and certification.
5. Contractual implications
5.1. Performance guarantees
Changes
affect: speed warranties, fuel consumption guarantees, acceptance testing.
5.2. Dispute risk
New
methodology may lead to: disagreements on test results, re-testing
requirements, contractual disputes.
6. Practical recommendations: review trial schedules, update contract clauses, coordinate with classification
societies and flag states, assess
legal exposure.
7. Conclusion
The revised
speed trial requirements represent a significant shift with both technical and
legal implications.
The Law
Office continues to actively support clients in managing these risks.
Final note – our publications
Further
insights are available at:
https://czernis.pl
https://www.linkedin.com/company/czernis