As designs of new ships have been optimized for performance and their complexity increases, development of mooring systems has not adequately followed the development of ships. Despite major operational safety improvements of how mooring operations are planned, performed and executed, a high number of accidents during these operations is still observed. Recognizing the importance of well-designed mooring arrangements and appropriate mooring equipment for safe mooring operations, the SOLAS Convention has been amended to include enhanced requirements for the design, inspection and maintenance of mooring arrangement onboard ships. These requirements will affect both new and existing ships. To learn more, download the ABS Regulatory News Brief on Safe Mooring of Ships.