Russia Delivers Kerch Strait Vessel as International Maritime Organization Introduces New Lifting Appliance Safety Rules
Russias Sea Rescue Service unveiled the multipurpose support vessel Kerch Strait on December 24, 2025 - further augmenting Northern Sea Route operations and simultaneously with IMO adopting SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 with new safety requirements for onboard lifting appliances effective January 1 2026 which affected vessel certifications and retrofits - to demonstrate their advancements in maritime support and regulatory compliance. These developments exemplify advancements in maritime support services as well as regulatory compliance advancements.