Key issues that MSC is considering at the moment include the development of a safety regulatory framework supporting the reduction of GHG using alternative fuels and new technologies, and developing a Code for maritime autonomous ships.
Outcomes from MSC 109:
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Amendments to the following mandatory instruments were adopted:
- The International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code). The amendments address the current prohibition on the use of ammonia cargo as fuel in the IGC Code; and
- The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or other Low flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). The IGF Code is reviewed regularly and the amendments incorporate a number of consolidations and additional new provisions based on industry experience. -
MSC approved the following:
- An MSC circular on Voluntary early implementation of the amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, adopted by Resolution MSC.[…](109). 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.
- An MSC circular on Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel.
- Several revised circulars to account for amendments on retro-reflective materials. -
MSC also:
- Continued the development of the non-mandatory goal-based MASS Code, with a target for finalisation and adoption of MSC 111 (May 2026), - Including finalisation of chapters 7, 12 and 18; and
considered IACS Recommendation 34 on Standard Wave Data. -
With regards to items related to the safe decarbonisation of shipping MSC:
- 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.
More LR regulatory updates, including those from IMO meetings, are available at www.lr.org/imo.