Four states have ratified the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 2010 (2010 HNS Convention), moving the treaty closer to entry into force. This convention aims to provide timely and adequate compensation for those affected by incidents involving hazardous substances transported by sea, which is increasingly relevant due to the rising transport of chemicals and alternative fuels.
Currently, there are 12 contracting states, meeting the necessary criteria for the treaty’s enactment. The convention requires at least 12 states to consent to its provisions, including four with a minimum gross tonnage of 2 million. Notably, five of the eight previously ratifying states exceed this tonnage requirement.
Additionally, the protocol mandates that states report data on HNS cargo quantities to the IMO Secretary-General annually by May 31 until the protocol takes effect. The convention will enter into force 18 months after contracting parties collectively handle at least 40 million tonnes of qualifying cargo. In 2025, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden reported nearly 28 million tonnes of HNS cargo, with further assessments planned for 2026 to confirm the earliest possible entry date of November 30, 2027.
