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 ratified the HNS Convention on 14 April 2026. For more information, please see the German press release by the BMV (Federal Ministry of Transport).

In Germany the HNS Convention will be implemented with the HNS Act (HNS-Gesetz) as soon as the international conditions for it coming into force have been achieved. 

Most notably, an insurance obligation will be introduced for ships carrying hazardous and noxious substances. In addition, imports of substances that come under the Convention must be reported. There will also be an obligation to pay contributions to the HNS Fund, which has yet to be established.