IMO MSC 108 highlights

Published: 12 June 2024

• Print page
• Email page
• Tweet

Resolution on maritime security in the Red Sea

The Committee has adopted a Resolution addressing the security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which has been compromised by Houthi attacks on commercial ships and seafarers. The precarious situation has been ongoing since the hijacking of the MV Galaxy Leader in November 2023; the vessel and its crew remain detained. Since this incident, approximately 50 hazardous and destabilising maritime attacks have occurred in the area, taking the lives of several seafarers and inflicting life-altering injuries on others. 

The recently adopted resolution vociferously condemns these illegal and unwarranted attacks, which pose a threat to the safety of seafarers and the marine environment. It demands the Houthis to immediately halt their assaults on commercial ships and calls for the swift and unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew. 

The resolution seeks the support of Member States and observer organisations in providing utmost assistance to seafarers affected by these attacks. It urges any party with potential influence over the Houthis to utilise it to bring an end to these attacks, promoting peaceful dialogue and diplomacy as the means to do so. Furthermore, the resolution advises ship operators and vessels to carefully evaluate the current unstable situation and the potential for continued attacks when planning transits. The considerations should include vessel profile, business necessity, and risk tolerance. 

Revised roadmap for the development of a code for autonomous ships 

The Committee continued to advance its work to develop a Code to regulate Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) to ensure these autonomous ships operate safely and in coexistence with conventional ships. It was decided that more work would be required to finalise the Code and the Committee therefore agreed to the revise the Road Map for the development of a MASS Code, as follows: 

• May 2025 - finalise and adopt non-mandatory MASS Code 
• First half of 2026 - develop framework for an experience-building phase (EPB)  
• 2028 - commence development of the mandatory MASS Code, based on the non-mandatory Code, and consider amendments to SOLAS (new chapter) for the Code's adoption 
• By 1 July 2030 - adoption of the mandatory Code, for entry into force on 1 Jan 2032  
• The Committee agreed to re-establish the MSC/MASS-Intersessional Working Group to meet from 9 to 13 September 2024. 

Revision of the Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management

The Committee approved the revised Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.3) and forwarded them to the Facilitation Committee for its concurrent approval.  

The guidelines cover standards and best practices for cyber risk management. The revision includes updates related to key definitions, background information and application, functional elements of cyber-risk management (including how to establish a risk management strategy; identify risks; protect computer-based systems; detect, respond to and recover from incidents) and other relevant international and industry standards and best practices. 

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

The IMO's goal of achieving net zero shipping will require the uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources. Suitable provisions will be needed to ensure the safe operation of these new technologies and alternative fuels on ships.   

A correspondence group report outlined a summary list of fuels and technologies that could support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, as well as an assessment of technical aspects, hazards, and risks to ship/shoreside for each of these listed fuels and technologies. Safety obstacles and gaps in existing regulations were also assessed.   

The Committee re-established the correspondence group and instructed it to develop recommendations to address each of the identified barriers and gaps in current IMO instruments that impede the safe use of an alternative fuel or new technology, and report back to MSC 109 and MSC 110. 

Violence and harassment in the maritime sector

The Committee adopted amendments to the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code), which aim to prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. The amendments outline new mandatory minimum requirements for basic training and instruction for all seafarers. These aim to equip seafarers with knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and information on how to prevent and respond to incidents. The amendments to the STCW Code are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026. 

The Committee also approved other recommendations, including the launch of awareness campaigns and other further measures to address violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, applicable to Administrations, shipping companies, social partners and UN agencies.   

SOLAS amendments

Several amendments to the SOLAS Convention were adopted: 

Amendments to chapter II-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, on the structure of ships, to include a new section requiring emergency towing arrangements to be fitted on ships other than tankers. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.  

Amendments to chapters II-2 and V of the SOLAS Convention, on oil fuel parameters other than flashpoint; fire detection within control stations and cargo control rooms; fire safety of ro-ro passenger ships; and reporting of the loss of containers. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

IGF Code amendments

Amendments were adopted to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), including regulations pertaining to specific requirements for ships using natural gas as fuel; bunkering operations; and manufacture and testing for the fuel containment system. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

Grain Code amendments

Amendments were adopted to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (Grain Code), introducing a new class of loading conditions for special compartments. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

2011 ESP Code amendments

Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code), regarding procedures for approval and certification of a firm engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

LSA Code amendments

Amendments were adopted to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, regarding the in-water performance of lifejackets; single fall and hook systems; and lowering speed of survival craft and rescue boats. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

FSS Code amendments

Amendments were adopted to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), with regards to fire safety of ro-ro passenger ships. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

IMDG Code amendments

Amendments were adopted to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), with updates throughout the document including foreword, preamble, parts 1 to 7, appendices and index. These amendments are expected to enter into force 1 January 2026.  

Amendments to other mandatory instruments  

The Committee adopted the following amendments: 

• amendments to the Performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers (resolution MSC.215(82))  
• amendments to the Performance standard for protective coatings for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers (resolution MSC.288(87))  
• amendments to the Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (resolution MSC.402(96)) 

The above amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.  

Other related, non-mandatory instruments  

The Committee considered related non-mandatory instruments and:  

• adopted the amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70))  
• approved the Voluntary early implementation of the amendments to paragraphs 4.2.2 and 8.4.1 to 8.4.3 of the IGF Code  
• approved the Revised standardised life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms (personal life-saving appliances)  
• approved the Revised unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2 and the FSS and FTP Codes   
• approved the Revised emergency response procedures for ships carrying dangerous goods (EmS Guide)   
• approved the Guidelines for maintenance and repair of protective coatings   
• approved the Guidelines on procedures for in-service maintenance and repair of coating systems for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers  

Other issues 

The Committee considered reports from its Sub-Committees and these are the most important actions taken:  

• approved the Interim guidelines for use of LPG cargo as fuel
• endorsed the updated work plan for the development of technical provisions for safety of ships using new alternative fuels, including the holding of an intersessional working group on development of technical provisions for safety of ships using alternative fuels
• approved the Revised guidelines on the application of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service  
• approved the Revised guidelines for the acceptance of alternative metallic materials for cryogenic service in ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk and ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels. 
• adopted the Revised interim recommendations for carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk 
• approved draft amendments to the IGC Code (paragraph 16.9.2 on the use of cargo as fuel in relation to alternative fuel and technologies), with a view to adoption at MSC 109, and entry into force on 1 July 2026.  

Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue issues 

The Committee took the following actions: 

• approved the Recognition of ship reporting system in the Pentland Firth (PENTREP) (SN.1/Circ.343) to be implemented on 1 December 2024  
• approved the Descriptions of Maritime Services in the context of e-navigation (MSC.1/Circ.1610/Rev.1)   
• adopted resolution MSC.530(106)/Rev.1 on Performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS)   
• approved the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information (MSC.1/Circ.1310/Rev.2) to be implemented as from 1 January 2025   

Ship Design and Construction issues 

• approved the Revised guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS chapters II-1 and III (MSC.1/Circ.1212/Rev.2)
• approved the Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance standards for water level detectors on ships subject to SOLAS regulations II-1/25 and 25 1, and XII/12 (resolution MSC.188(79)/Rev.2) (MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2)
• approved new Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation XV/5.1 and paragraph 3.5 of part 1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) on the harmonisation of the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate with SOLAS safety certificates
• approved the Unified interpretations of the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships (resolution MSC.337(91)) (MSC.1/Circ.1509/Rev.1)
• approved the Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/9 and II-2/13 (MSC.1/Circ.1511/Rev.1). 

Receive maritime insights directly to your inbox!

Stay ahead and get the news faster. Subscribe to our newsletters for timely updates, expert analysis and exclusive content.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS