1. SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES

The 111st session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee — MSC 111 — was held at IMO Headquarters in London from 13 to 22 May 2026. The Committee considered and adopted a number of important matters related to maritime safety, new technologies, alternative fuels, autonomous ships, life-saving appliances, ship stability and future regulatory developments. This Newsletter provides a brief summary of the main outcomes considered relevant.

2. MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS — MASS CODE

MSC 111 adopted the non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships — MASS Code, expected to become effective from 1 July 2026. Work will continue towards the development of a mandatory MASS Code, with an experience-building phase and possible entry into force in 2032.

The Code introduces a goal-based framework covering, among others, safety, operation, security, remote operation centers, risk assessment, human element considerations, approval processes, certification and survey aspects.

3. AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS CHAPTER V AND HSC CODES — VDES 

Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and the HSC Codes were adopted to allow the installation of the VHF Data Exchange System — VDES as an alternative to AIS. Performance standards for shipborne VDES were also adopted. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.

VDES is intended to enhance maritime communication and data exchange capability.

4. ESP CODE — REMOTE INSPECTION TECHNIQUES

Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code were adopted in relation to the use of Remote Inspection Techniques — RIT. The amendments include requirements for the certification of firms engaged in close-up surveys of hull structures using RIT. Guidelines on the use of RIT for ESP Code surveys were also approved, with the purpose of ensuring a standardized and safe approach. Entry into force is expected on 1 January 2028.

This development is particularly relevant for surveys where remote inspection technologies may be used as an alternative means of access to support surveyors during close-up surveys and thickness measurements.

5. AMENDMENTS TO THE IP CODE

MSC 111 adopted amendments to the Industrial Personnel Code — IP Code, increasing the assumed mass of each industrial person from 75 kg to 90 kg for stability calculation purposes. These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.

6. AMENDMENTS TO THE LSA CODE AND RESOLUTION MSC.402(96)

Amendments to the LSA Code were adopted in relation to free-fall lifeboats, including requirements for arrangements allowing the release system to be tested under load without launching the lifeboat into the water. Related amendments to Resolution MSC.402(96) were also adopted to include the newly required release system in the scope of thorough examination and operational testing. Entry into force is expected on 1 January 2028.

7. AMENDMENTS TO THE 1988 LOAD LINES PROTOCOL

Amendments to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol were adopted regarding guard rails on exposed decks. The amendments require three-bar guard rails and specify maximum permitted openings below and between the courses of the guard rails. Entry into force is expected on 1 January 2028.

8. IGC CODE AND IGF CODE DEVELOPMENTS

Draft amendments to the IGC Code were approved, covering matters such as filling limits, use of cargo other than LNG as fuel, and special requirements for carbon dioxide. These amendments are expected to be adopted at MSC 112 and to enter into force on 1 July 2028.

MSC 111 also approved amendments to the IGF Code and associated amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1, clarifying the application of the IGF Code and aligning definitions related to gaseous fuels, gas fuels and low-flashpoint fuels. These amendments are also expected to enter into force on 1 July 2028.

9. ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES

MSC 111 continued its work on the safety regulatory framework supporting the use of alternative fuels and new technologies for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

The Committee approved or progressed work on several safety-related guidelines, including:

• interim guidelines for ships using hydrogen as fuel;
• interim guidelines for the use of ammonia cargo as fuel;
• revised interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk;
• future requirements for onboard carbon capture and storage systems;
• future requirements for lithium-ion battery installations;
• future interim guidelines for wind propulsion and wind-assisted power.

These developments show the IMO’s continued focus on ensuring that decarbonisation technologies are supported by an appropriate safety framework.

10. TRAINING GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATIVE FUELS

MSC 111 approved training guidelines for seafarers serving on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohols as fuel and ships using ammonia as fuel.

These guidelines are expected to support the safe operation of ships using alternative fuels and to assist Administrations, shipowners and training providers in preparing relevant training arrangements.

11. CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS

The Committee considered the development of new cybersecurity standards for ships and port facilities. A non-mandatory cybersecurity code is expected to be developed, based on goal-based requirements and risk management principles.

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