Hazardous substances (HNS)

Insurance for damages during carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea

Accidents of sea-going vessels with hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) can have serious implications. the subsequent questions of liability and compensation are regulated in the International HNS Convention. Germany and three other States ratified the HNS Convention on 14 April 2026 (see press release by the Federal Ministry of Transport). This means that enough countries have committed to the agreement, accounting for the total required cargo volume. After an 18-month transition period, it will enter into force on 29 November 2027.

The HNS Convention introduces a mandatory insurance requirement for ships that transport hazardous and noxious substances at sea. Shipowners then will be required to have appropriate insurance or other financial security.
Additional obligations will include: reporting imports of certain substances covered by the Convention, as well as paying a contribution to a future HNS fund.

In Germany the HNS Convention will be implemented with the HNS Act (HNS-Gesetz).