- Ammonia Cargo Approved for Use as Fuel on Gas Carriers.
- Revision of Alcohol Fuel Guidelines Delayed to 2027.
- Updated Work Plan for Alternative Fuels Under IGF Code.
Goal-based draft guidelines aligned with the IGF Code have been finalised and are expected to be approved at MSC 111 in May 2026. These guidelines focus on the arrangement, installation, control, and monitoring of machinery, equipment, and systems that use hydrogen as fuel, all aimed at minimising risks to ships, crews, and the environment, reports LR.
Draft Interim Guidelines for Ammonia Cargo as Fuel
Draft guidelines have also been finalised that allow the use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers, which are set to be approved at MSC 111. These guidelines are designed to complement the mandatory provisions found in Chapter 16 of the IGC Code regarding the use of cargo as fuel.
Draft Revision of Guidelines for Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel
Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the revision of the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621) due to time constraints. However, we plan to kick off the revision before the next meeting and aim to wrap it up by 2027. We’re also looking at making corresponding amendments to the IGF Code, with a target for them to take effect in 2028.
Updated Work Plan on Alternative Fuels
A new work plan has been put together to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through innovative technologies and alternative fuels. This plan lays out the expected timelines for publishing guidelines that will cover a variety of fuels and technologies under the IGF Code.
Development of Measures to Prevent Container Losses at Sea
A comprehensive work plan was adopted to tackle the issue of containers lost at sea. IMO will develop regulatory solutions in five areas with amendments to SOLAS, the CSS Code, CSC Code, and related circulars:
- Operational guidance and limitations
- Conditions at sea
- Loading, stowage, validation, and planning
- Technical calculation standards and inspection of securing gear
- Container strength properties and inspection programmes
Draft Revision of Cargo Securing Manual Guidelines
Work progressed on amendments to the Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual (MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2). These updates will now allow the use of lashing software to help with preparing the Cargo Securing Manual. We’re still discussing how to standardise calculation frameworks and performance test requirements, and we expect to wrap this up at CCC 12.
As for the draft revision of the Revised Interim Recommendations for the Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk (MSC.565(108)), that’s also been finalised. A new Part D has been added, which lays out safety requirements for membrane-type cargo containment systems that have insulation spaces under vacuum. We anticipate these amendments will be adopted at MSC 111.
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Source: LR
