The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has expressed serious concerns over the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposed implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Industrial Personnel Code.
In its response to the MCA’s consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations 2025, IMCA warned that the changes could disrupt offshore operations, attract legal challenges, and make the UK a less attractive market for marine contractors.
With demand for offshore wind farm installations and oil and gas projects increasing globally, restricting vessel availability through regulatory changes could hamper the UK’s ability to meet its offshore wind targets of 50GW by 2030 and its net zero commitments by 2050.
IMCA, which represents more than 800 members in the marine contracting industry, welcomed UK efforts to align with IMO regulations but highlighted several issues with the MCA’s approach. Key concerns include the exclusion of vessels built to the 1983 Special Purpose Ships Code, stricter compliance requirements for high-speed craft, and the mandatory application of SPS Codes for special personnel.
The International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel aims to provide minimum safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel, as well as for the personnel themselves, and address specific risks of maritime operations within the offshore and energy sectors, such as personnel transfer operations.
However, IMCA has raised concern that the changes will create significant challenges for UK-flagged and non-UK-flagged vessels operating in UK waters, particularly those that have been previously accepted under existing UK regulations. The association also warned that the new rules could lead to legal challenges from foreign-flagged vessels that comply with IMO standards but are not certified under UK-mandated codes.
One of IMCA’s primary criticisms is the lack of an impact assessment for the proposed regulations. In its response to the MCA, the global trade association argued that the offshore industry already maintains a strong safety record and that the regulatory changes appear to be more of a “housekeeping exercise” rather than a genuine safety improvement.
IMCA also referenced a White Paper it submitted to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in May 2024, which highlighted growing industry concerns over the UK’s regulatory environment. A survey of IMCA members found that 50% of offshore contractors are already avoiding projects in UK waters due to complex regulations, opting instead for opportunities in continental Europe and other international markets.
The industry needs regulatory clarity and stability, not additional burdens that could drive contractors and vessels to other markets.
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Emphasising the potential consequences of the new regulations, IMCA CEO Iain Grainger said: "The UK risks losing its competitive edge in the offshore sector if these changes are implemented without due consideration of their impact. The industry needs regulatory clarity and stability, not additional burdens that could drive contractors and vessels to other markets. We urge the MCA to engage further with industry stakeholders to find a practical way forward."
IMCA has called on the MCA to reconsider its approach and work closely with the offshore sector to ensure that the new regulations do not inadvertently hinder offshore energy development.
IMCA developed its response to the consultation through engagement with a broad range of stakeholders including the UK Chamber of Shipping, the Danish Shipowners’ Association, the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners, the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, and the Workboat Association.
