January 2026 Maritime Technology Standards: New Battery, Insulation, and LNG Guidelines

The maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and January 2026 marks an important milestone with the publication of three new international standards covering cutting-edge safety and operational requirements. These standards—addressing swappable battery installations, marine insulation monitoring, and CNG/LNG propulsion systems for small craft—play a critical role in the modernization and decarbonization of global shipbuilding and marine structures.

With the release of ISO 18962:2026, IEC TR 63436:2026, and ISO 18581:2026, shipbuilders, naval architects, marine engineers, compliancy managers, and technology procurement professionals have access to essential guidance designed to boost safety, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. This article delivers a comprehensive overview of these standards, what’s new, and how your organization can benefit.

Overview / Introduction

Shipbuilding and marine structures represent one of the world's most regulated and technologically advanced industries. Standards play a vital role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability of new vessels, retrofits, and supporting infrastructure. Whether innovating with alternative fuels or integrating advanced electronic systems, adherence to international standards is essential for safe operation, market access, and competitive positioning.

This January 2026 update highlights three newly published international standards that:

• Advance the safe implementation of swappable battery technology on ships
• Standardize best practices for insulation monitoring in marine AC systems
• Define high-integrity installation protocols for CNG and LNG propulsion systems on small craft

By familiarizing yourself with these updates, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about design, construction, retrofitting, and compliance in the dynamic marine sector.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 18962:2026 – Swappable Batteries on Ships: Installation and Operational Requirements

Ships and marine technology — Installation and operational requirements for swappable batteries on ships

As marine power transitions toward electrification, swappable battery systems have emerged as a key solution for both short-sea shipping and larger vessels. ISO 18962:2026 provides foundational requirements for safely installing and operating swappable (replaceable) batteries aboard ships.

The standard covers:

• General system requirements and terminology
• Technical specifications for secure installation to withstand vibration, mechanical shock, fire, and immersion
• Procedures for lashing, emergency handling, and operational safety
• Specific guidance for protection against overheating, water ingress, and fire exposure
• Requirements for emergency measures and human safety protocols
• Testing methods to validate compliance with environmental and mechanical stresses

Who should comply?

• Ship designers and shipyards integrating electrical power solutions
• Marine electrical engineers and systems integrators
• Operators managing battery charging and replacement logistics

Practical implications: Implementation of ISO 18962:2026 ensures that battery swapping does not compromise vessel safety or operability, provides confidence for regulatory authorities, and enables the marine industry to accelerate electrification while reducing downtime and fire risks.

Notable changes: As a first-edition standard, ISO 18962:2026 establishes a foundation for future innovation. Organizations currently deploying custom solutions will need to review and align practices with these new requirements.

Key highlights:

• Defines vibration, shock, fire, and water immersion resistance criteria
• Mandates safety measures in emergencies (e.g., overheating, fire exposure)
• Details lashing/securing procedures for mobile battery modules

Access the full standard:View ISO 18962:2026 on iTeh Standards

IEC TR 63436:2026 – Insulation Monitoring Device: Marine AC Application Example

Insulation monitoring device - Marine AC application example

Maritime electrical safety depends on rigorous monitoring and fault detection, especially in isolated (IT) AC systems. IEC TR 63436:2026 offers an in-depth technical report illustrating how insulation monitoring devices (IMDs) should be set and interpreted in marine AC networks.

This Technical Report explains:

• How to configure IMDs for shipboard IT AC systems to maintain personnel safety and operational continuity
• Calculating alarm threshold values for insulation faults via graphical curve analysis
• Injection methods and measurement principles for detecting insulation degradation
• How to assess touch voltages and the impact of a first insulation fault on safety
• Best practices for measuring/setting insulation resistance between hull, conductor, and earth

Who should comply?

• Shipboard electrical engineers and marine system designers
• Vessel safety officers and maintenance personnel
• Organizations seeking to meet international marine electrical safety codes

Practical implications: While informative and not a normative requirement, this report is essential for optimal IMD setup, troubleshooting, and touch voltage evaluations—key for high-voltage propulsion, main distribution, and auxiliary systems. Proper IMD configuration reduces the risk of undetected faults and electrical hazards at sea.

Notable changes: This is a newly published reference, bringing together state-of-the-art calculation methods and practical examples for marine applications.

Key highlights:

• Explains IMD configuration for safe marine electrical systems
• Provides touch voltage analysis and setting examples
• Includes practical measurement and injection techniques

Access the full standard:View IEC TR 63436:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18581:2026 – CNG and LNG Propulsion Systems for Small Craft: Installation Requirements

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) equipment and accessories — CNG and LNG propulsion systems for small craft — Installation requirements

The shipping industry’s drive for decarbonization is bringing CNG and LNG propulsion to the forefront, especially for smaller vessels. ISO 18581:2026 establishes comprehensive installation requirements for CNG and LNG propulsion systems and their components on small craft.

The standard addresses:

• Definitions and classifications for system components: cylinders, tanks, pipes, hoses, valves, pressure relief devices
• Stringent installation criteria for containers (fixed or portable), remote-controlled valves, and associated safety features
• Requirements for gas detection, forced ventilation, tightness/leak testing, and fire-extinguishing equipment
• Detailed guidance for system integration, including electrical installations and shutdown mechanisms
• Commissioning procedures, owner's manual content, and compliance documentation

Applicability:

• Shipyards, boat builders, and retrofit specialists for small craft
• System installers, marine engineers, and propulsion solution providers
• Surveyors and regulatory inspectors overseeing alternative fuel vessels

Practical implications: Adhering to ISO 18581:2026 ensures that all CNG/LNG propulsion system installations on small vessels meet stringent international safety, reliability, and environmental standards. The requirements facilitate regulatory approvals and reduce the risk of catastrophic gas-related incidents at sea.

Notable changes: As a new benchmark, it formalizes best practices and harmonizes disparate requirements across jurisdictions, providing clarity for manufacturers and operators alike.

Key highlights:

• Defines installation and testing for CNG/LNG systems on small vessels
• Addresses gas safety (detection, ventilation, pressure relief) and commissioning tests
• Provides normative annexes for container securing, labeling, and system documentation

Access the full standard:View ISO 18581:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

These standards have a far-reaching impact on the shipbuilding and marine structures industry:

• Enhanced Safety: Following these standards minimizes safety hazards caused by electrical faults, gas leaks, and battery failures. Clear requirements for ventilation, fire suppression, and fault monitoring raise baseline protections for life and property at sea.
• Regulatory Confidence: Compliance supports approval by flag states, classification societies, and port authorities, facilitating global market access for vessels and marine products.
• Operational Efficiency: Swappable battery standards reduce vessel turnaround time; insulation monitoring enables rapid fault localization; harmonized LNG/CNG protocols simplify installation and reduce rework.
• Environmental Responsibility: The requirements empower marine operators to embrace clean propulsion (electric, CNG, LNG) with documented assurance of safety and environmental stewardship.
• Competitive Advantage: Early adopters of these standards position themselves as leaders in sustainable, future-ready shipbuilding and vessel operation.

Compliance considerations:

• Implementation timelines may depend on the flag state’s adoption of the standards and regulatory updates.
• Organizations updating fleet technology, retrofitting existing vessels, or building new assets should integrate these standards during project planning for a seamless approval process.
• Gaps between current practice and new requirements must be bridged via updates to design documents, procurement specifications, and QA processes.

Risks of non-compliance:

• Increased risk of equipment failure, accidents, and environmental incidents
• Delays or denials of vessel certification
• Potential legal and reputational consequences
• Disqualification from advanced tenders or partnerships with eco-focused shipping alliances

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements:

• Safety by Design: All three standards emphasize fail-safe installation, securement against vibration, shock, and fire, and robust human safety protocols.
• Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing procedures (e.g., vibration, leak, immersion, touch voltage) are outlined to verify each system is installed and operates as specified.
• Documentation: Requirements for detailed system documentation, inspection certificates, and owner’s manuals ensure consistent and transparent installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Integration with Other Systems: Special attention is paid to electrical integration, fire suppression capacities, ventilation, and emergency protocols—promoting resilience to multifactor hazards.

Implementation best practices:

1. Early Planning: Consider standard requirements at the design/BOM stage to avoid costly change orders.
2. Qualified Personnel: Only certified or qualified individuals should install or commission mission-critical battery or gas systems.
3. Systematic Testing: Perform all prescribed tests (tightness, leak, touch voltage, shock) to validate installations and prevent latent faults.
4. Continuous Training: Update team competencies with the latest standards (including ongoing changes from ISO and IEC technical committees).
5. Documentation and Traceability: Maintain thorough records as defined in the standards (installation checklists, owner’s manuals, labeling, etc.).

Testing and certification:

• Engage with accredited test laboratories and surveyors familiar with these new standards
• Use harmonized test protocols referenced within the standards (e.g., IEC 60529, ISO 898-1, EN 28846)
• Prepare vessels for third-party audits or inspections as part of regulatory approval

Conclusion / Next Steps

The January 2026 publication of ISO 18962:2026, IEC TR 63436:2026, and ISO 18581:2026 reflects the maritime industry’s ongoing evolution toward greater electrification, alternative fuels, and advanced electrical safety. By adopting these new standards, organizations position themselves for leadership in safety, operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

Key takeaways:

• Three new standards address batteries, insulation monitoring, and LNG/CNG propulsion on ships
• Adherence ensures safety, environmental compliance, and competitive advantage
• Integration of these requirements should begin immediately for all new builds and retrofits

Recommendations for organizations:

• Review your current design, procurement, and operational practices for alignment
• Train engineering, installation, and QA personnel on the new requirements
• Conduct a gap analysis if transitioning from previous best practices or proprietary approaches
• Engage with regulatory bodies early in your upgrade or new-build process

Call to action:

• Explore each full standard to deepen your technical understanding and ensure compliance.
• Stay tuned to iTeh Standards for future updates and additional resources.

For in-depth access, visit:

• ISO 18962:2026 on iTeh Standards
• IEC TR 63436:2026 on iTeh Standards
• ISO 18581:2026 on iTeh Standards

Stay informed, stay compliant, and lead the way in next-generation shipbuilding and marine operations with iTeh Standards.