The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Session 109, held from December 2 to 6, addressed several important decisions regarding maritime safety and security. Reviewing the Committee’s activities provides valuable insight into newly adopted regulations and a preview of future regulatory developments by the IMO.
Key topics currently under the MSC’s focus include:
Developing a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of alternative fuels and advanced technologies.
The latest developments concerning Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
Key outcomes from MSC 109:
Adoption of amendments to the following mandatory instruments:
The International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code); and
The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or other Low flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)Approvals
MSC circular on Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel; and
MSC circular on Voluntary early implementation of the amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, the circular can be used on a voluntary basis to address the current prohibition on the use of ammonia cargo as fuel in the IGC Code.
Other developments:
continued the development of the non-mandatory goal-based MASS Code, with a target for finalization and adoption of MSC 111 (May 2026), including finalization of chapters 7, 12 and 18;
considered IACS Recommendation 34 on Standard Wave Data.
updated the list of alternative fuels and new technologies;
included a new category for “swappabletraction lithium-ion battery containers” to the list of new technologies; and
approved draft amendments to SOLAS in relation to the application of the IGF Code to also allow gaseous fuels to be within its scope to include ammonia as fuel.
In more detail, outcomes from MSC 109 are:
DEVELOPMENTS TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF SHIPS’ FUEL
Development of a Safety Regulatory Framework Supporting GHG Reduction from Ships Using New Technologies and Alternative Fuels
Draft Amendments to SOLAS Convention in Relation to the Application of the IGF Code
Assessment of Capacity-Building Implications on Draft Amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes
Use of Cargoes Identified as Toxic Products (e.g., Ammonia) as Fuel
Interim Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ammonia as Fuel
Updated Work Plan for the Development of New Alternative Fuels
AMENDMENTS TO MANDATORY INSTRUMENTS
Amendments to IFG CODE
Amendments to the LSA CODE
Ventilation Requirements for Partially Enclosed Lifeboats and Life rafts
Design and Prototype Test Requirements for the Equipment Used in the Simulated Launching of Free-Fall Lifeboats
Amendments to SOLAS Chapter III and Chapter IV of the LSA Code to Require the Carriage of Self-Righting or Canopied Reversible Life rafts for New Ships
AMENDMENTS TO THE HSC CODES
Draft Amendments to the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes on Lifejacket Carriage Requirements
AMENDMENTS TO THE FTP CODE
New Fire Protection Systems and Materials
GOAL-BASED NEW SHIP CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Goal-Based Ship Construction Standards (GBS) – IACS Recommendation 34 on the Standard Wave Data
FORMAL SAFETY ASSESSMENTS (FSA)
Draft Revised Guidelines for Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) for Use in the IMO Rule-Making Process
MARINE AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS (MASS)
Further Development of the Draft MASS Code
MARITIME SECURITY
- Next Steps to Enhance Maritime Cybersecurity
NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE
Inconsistent Implementation of SOLAS Regulations IV/10 and IV/15 and COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.2
Routeing Measures and Ship Reporting Systems
Draft Assembly Resolution on Charges for Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications Through Recognized Mobile Satellite Services in the GMDSS
Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual
List of Documents and Publications by a Maritime or Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
Performance Standards for a Digital Navigational Data System (NAVDAT)
Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements
Revision of the Performance Standards for a Universal AIS
Difficulties of the Radar SART
Other circulars
UNIFIED INTERPRETATION OF PROVISIONS OF IMO SAFETY, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT-RELATED CONVENTIONS
Unified Interpretations on Implementation of SOLAS Regulations III/20.8.4 and 20.11 to Inflated Rescue Boats
Unified Interpretations of SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.5.6.1 on Cargo/Vapour Piping and Related GasFreeing Piping/Ducts
Unified Interpretations on Consistent Application of SOLAS Regulations II-2/11.4.1, II-2/4.5.3.2.2 and 11.6.3.2
Unified Interpretation of SOLAS Regulation II-1/26 on Single Essential Propulsion Components
Prohibiting the use of fire-fighting Foams Containing Fluorinated Substances, in addition to PFOS
Amendments Emanating from Assumed Weight in Self-Righting Tests and Retro-Reflective Materials
Revised Standards for The Design, Testing and Locating of Devices to Prevent the Passage of Flame into Cargo Tanks in Tankers
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Recommendations to National Administrations to Prevent Collisions with Fishing Vessels
