The Maritime Safety Committee met for its 109th session (MSC 109) at IMO Headquarters in London (in-person with hybrid participation) from 2 to 6 December 2024.

The Committee adopted amendments to the IGC and the IGF Codes. Consideration was given to new technologies and alternative marine fuels for the development of a safety regulatory framework to support the 2023 IMO GHG strategy.

In relation to the above, the Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel was approved, based on consideration by CCC 10.

The below is an excerpt from the meeting notes focusing on developments related to marine fuel:

Amendments to mandatory IGC and IGF Codes adopted 

The Committee adopted amendments to the following mandatory Codes under SOLAS:

International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)  

The Committee adopted amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, related to the use as fuel of cargoes identified as toxic products, in the context of alternative fuels and new technologies. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2026.

The Committee approved an MSC circular on the voluntary early application of the IGC Code, associated with these amendments.

International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) 

The Committee adopted amendments to parts A and A-1 of the IGF Code relate to ship design, fire safety, ventilation and other safety issues. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.

Noting that there may be capacity-building implications in relation to these amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes, the Committee agreed to advise the Technical Cooperation Committee accordingly and encourage Member States in need of capacity-building assistance to contact IMO.

Development of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels  

The Committee received an update on the work of the Correspondence Group on Development of a Safety Regulatory Framework to Support the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships using New Technologies and Alternative Fuels (GHG safety).

The Correspondence Group, established at MSC 108, has been working on capturing detailed information (technical background, hazards, and risks to ship/shoreside) for the new technologies and alternative fuels. Safety obstacles and gaps in existing regulations are also being assessed.

The Committee endorsed the addition of a new category on “swappable traction lithium-ion battery containers” to the list of new technologies developed by the Correspondence Group. The Correspondence Group will continue work intersessionally and report to MSC 110.

Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 on the application of IGF Code approved 

While the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) applies to fuels that are gases or have a low-flash point, SOLAS Chapter II-1 states that the IGF Code applies to ships using low-flashpoint fuels, regardless of whether they were in liquid or gaseous form.

The Committee approved draft amendments to Chapter II-1 of the SOLAS Convention to clarify that the IGF Code applies to gaseous fuels or low flash-point fuels.

The approved SOLAS amendments will be submitted with a view to adoption at MSC 110 in June 2025, with expected entry into force in 2027.

Sub-Committee on the carriage of cargoes and containers (CCC 10) 

Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel 

• approved MSC.1/Circular on Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel.

Updated work plan for the development of new alternative fuels 

• endorsed the updated work plan for the development of new alternative fuels.

Draft amendments to the IGC Code and preparation of a new consolidated version of the Code 

• approved draft amendments to the IGC Code, in relation to filling limits for cargo tanks and safety provisions for gas carriers using LPG cargo as fuel, with a view to circulation in accordance with SOLAS article VIII and subsequent adoption at MSC 110.
• with regard to preparation of a new consolidated version of the IGC Code, requested the Secretariat to submit an information document to MSC 110, highlighting all existing and pending amendments to the 2014 IGC Code, including a table of application dates of provisions for consideration, as appropriate.

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 31 December 2024