MEMO: Key Updates in ES-TRIN 2025 and Related Transitional Provisions

Effective 1 January 2026, the revised ES-TRIN will enter into force. This memo provides an overview of the key updates and the transitional arrangements for existing vessels.

Introduction

As of 1 January 2026, the revised version of the European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation Vessels (ES-TRIN) will apply. This updated edition contains several significant changes compared to the previous version, with the aim of further improving safety, environmental performance and technical harmonisation across the European inland navigation sector.

This memo provides an overview of the most relevant changes, including updates to equipment requirements, new rules for alternative propulsion systems, and modifications to explosion-safety regulations. It also highlights the transitional provisions that set out how and within which timeframes existing vessels must comply with the new requirements.

It is important that shipowners, operators, crew members and technical departments are aware of these changes in order to prepare properly and ensure compliance.

Key ES-TRIN 2025 Amendments – with Transitional Provisions

Wheelhouse Installations:

• 7.12 paragraph 8 (third sentence):
  Wheelhouses must be fitted with adequate protective measures to prevent injury when being lowered. Access points to the lifting installation must be marked with the sign shown in Annex 4, sketch 1.
  
  

→ Transitional provision: N.R.O. (No Replacement Obligation), no later than at renewal of the inland navigation certificate.

• 7.12 paragraph 8 (fourth sentence):
  Access points to the lifting installation must be fitted with an alarm providing both visual and audible signals in the wheelhouse.
  → Transitional provision: N.R.O., no later than at renewal of the inland navigation certificate.
  
  
• 7.12 paragraph 12 (deleted): The mandatory inspection of height-adjustable wheelhouses by a recognised expert has been removed. Note: Only the ES-TRIN inspection requirement is removed; inspections under other standards may still be required.

Alternative Fuels:

• 8.01 paragraph 4:
  Propulsion and auxiliary systems may use fuels with a flashpoint ≤ 55 °C (e.g. LNG, methanol, hydrogen). Requirements are laid down in Chapter 30 and Annex 8.
  → No transitional provision; applies upon installation.

Tank Installations:

• 8.05 paragraph 5:
  Fuel tank filling openings must be clearly identified, and filling lines must be marked with the appropriate colour according to ISO 14726:2008 (RAL 8001).
  
     
  
  
• 8.06 paragraph 5:
  Filling lines must be equipped with a Camlock connection (EN 14420-7:2022), DN 40 “male” connection on board, with a blind flange according to the relevant standard.
  
  
  
  
• 8.06 paragraph 6:
  Lubricating oil tank filling openings must also be clearly identified, and filling lines marked according to ISO 14726:2008 (RAL 2003).
  
  
  
  → Transitional provision for connections: N.R.O., no later than renewal of the inland navigation certificate after 2045.

Engine Registration:

• 9.02:
  All internal combustion engines must be fully registered under number 52 of the inland navigation certificate, including manufacturer, type, power rating, installation location and installation date.
  
  
• 9.09:
  Exhaust gas after-treatment systems (not included in type approval) must also be listed separately under number 52.

Explosion Safety and Electrical Installations:

• 10.04 paragraph 4:
  Hazardous areas must be marked with a warning sign (Annex 4, sketch 13) with a minimum side length of 10 cm.
  
  
  
  
• 11.01 paragraph 5:
  Electric propulsion motors must have a manually operated emergency stop located outside the wheelhouse. Alternatively, the emergency stop may be located at the switchboard. Emergency stops must be protected against unintentional activation.

Drinking Water Installation:

• 15.05 paragraph 1:
  Vessels with accommodation spaces must be equipped with a drinking water installation. Tank filling lines must have an ISO 5620-1:1992 connection or equivalent.
  → Transitional provision: N.R.O., no later than renewal of the inland navigation certificate.

Marking of Alternative Fuels:

• 30.06:
  Compartments and system components related to alternative fuels must be marked with the appropriate symbols as per Annex 4, with a minimum side length of 10 cm.
  
         

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