Key Outcomes From SDC 11 Advancements In Maritime Safety, Sustainability, And Innovation

The 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 11) resulted in several important developments in maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational standards. Below are the significant outcomes:

1. 2011 ESP Code Amendments (Remote Inspection Techniques – RIT):

• Objective: Enable the use of RIT for close-up vessel surveys under the 2011 ESP Code.
• Timeline: Amendments are set to be applicable from 1 January 2028.
• Broader Impact: Guidelines are under development, potentially extending RIT use to other ship types beyond tankers and bulk carriers.

2. Safe Return to Port (SRtP):

• Progress on amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1369 related to passenger ship system assessments after fire or flooding.
• Finalization expected at SDC 12 (January 2026).
• Related instruments requiring alignment with these amendments have been identified.

3. SOLAS Amendments for Steering and Propulsion Requirements:

• Work on SOLAS chapters II-1 (Machinery Installations) and V (Safety of Navigation) advanced.
• Target completion: 2028, with entry into force by January 2032.
• A roadmap includes data collection, such as ship maneuverability tests, to develop mandatory provisions.

4. Updates to the Code on Alerts and Indicators (2009):

• Comprehensive review completed to harmonize with IMO codes and guidelines.
• Draft amendments to be reviewed and approved by MSC 110.

5. Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) – Experience Building Phase (EBP):

• Urgent collection of data from implementing MEPC.1/Circ.906/Rev.1 (Revised guidelines for URN reduction).
• Results to guide future discussions at SDC 12 (January 2026).

6. Guidelines for Fibre-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) in Ship Structures:

• Complexity of discussions delayed finalization.
• A correspondence group established to focus on fire safety and recycling.
• Updates to be reported at SDC 12 (January 2026).

7. Interim Guidelines for Emergency Towing Arrangements (ETA) for Non-Tankers:

• Draft amendments completed, submitted to MSC 110 for approval.
• Guidelines considered “Interim” and will undergo review after gaining industry experience.

SDC 11 achieved significant progress on a range of maritime safety, environmental, and operational guidelines. Key topics like RIT, SRtP, SOLAS amendments, and URN reduction have been advanced, with a timeline extending to 2032 for full implementation in some cases. Future sessions, particularly SDC 12 (2026), will address unresolved matters and review early implementations.