DNV on IMO CCC 11: Interim guidelines for hydrogen as bunker fuel completed

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (17 September) shared a statutory news article that provides a summary of the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) including new guidelines for the use of hydrogen and ammonia cargo as marine fuel: 

The 11th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) was held from 8 to 12 September 2025. CCC 11 finalized interim guidelines for the use of hydrogen as fuel, interim guidelines for the use of ammonia cargo as fuel, and interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk. CCC 11 also agreed on a working plan addressing loss of containers at sea.

Meeting highlights

• Finalized interim guidelines for the use of hydrogen as fuel
• Revised the working plan for the development of new alternative fuels under the IGF Code
• Finalized amendments to the IGC Code
• Finalized interim guidelines for the use of ammonia cargo as fuel
• Finalized draft amendments to the revised interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk
• Worked on amendments to the IMSBC and IMDG Codes
• Agreed on a working plan to address the loss of containers at sea

Amendments to the IGF Code and the development of guidelines for alternative fuels and related technologies

CCC 11 finalized interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel, further developing and describing the established design principles and functional requirements.

The guidelines include functional requirements and detailed provisions for all 20 chapters. The guidelines are limited to liquefied hydrogen concepts, as well as portable compressed and fixed compressed hydrogen concepts, all of which should be fitted on open deck.  

Due to time constraints, no discussion took place on other guidelines such as the guidelines for the use of oil fuels with a flashpoint between 52°C and 60°C as fuel, the revision of the guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel, and the revision of   the fuel cell guidelines. Work on these guidelines will continue in a Correspondence Group and an intersessional Working Group, both reporting to CCC 12 in 2026.  

CCC 11 updated its existing working plan for the development of new alternative fuels under the IGF Code, with the following items assigned as high priority:

• Revision of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel (approval expected 2027)
• Revision of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power installations (approval expected 2028)
• Development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using onboard carbon capture and storage systems (approval expected 2029)

IGC Code amendments

CCC 11 finalized the draft amendments to the IGC Code, concluding on implementation dates for new requirements. The draft amendments are expected to be approved by MSC 111 in May 2026, aiming for adoption at MSC 112 at the end of 2026 and entry into force on 1 July 2028.

Guidelines for the use of ammonia cargo as fuel

CCC 11 finalized interim guidelines for use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers. This provides guidance to ensure the safe handling of ammonia as fuel, with a main focus on issues outside cargo areas to ensure safety for the crew and ship.

Revision of the interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk

CCC 11 finalized a revision of the interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk (Resolution MSC.565(108)), adding a new Part D on cargo containment systems of a membrane-type cargo tank maintaining the insulation spaces under vacuum.

CCC 11 also recommended that member states submit a new output proposal on the requirements on training for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk.

Recommendations

DNV recommends that customers note the finalization of interim guidelines for use of hydrogen as fuel, the updated working plan for the development of new alternative fuels under the IGF Code as well as the completed review of the IGC Code.

As CCC is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).

Note: The full statutory news can be found here. 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 19 September, 2025