The International Maritime Organization (IMO) sub-committee on Ship Design and Construction held its eighth session virtually between 28 February and 4 March 2022. This annual meeting considers a wide range of technical and operational matters related to systems and equipment on all types of ships, vessels, craft and mobile units covered by IMO instruments. This includes life-saving equipment, appliances and arrangements; and fire detection and fire extinguishing systems. SYBAss Technical and Environmental Director Lorenzo Pollicardo was in attendance and ensured that member interests were well-represented on the global regulatory stage.
One of the major developments from this meeting was the finalisation of the draft amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code to minimise the incidence and consequences of fires in ro-ro spaces and special category spaces of new and existing ro-ro passenger ships. Once finalised, the amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and FSS Code are expected to enter into force 1 January 2026. They will be applicable to new ro-ro passenger ships from 1 January 2026 and to existing ro-ro passenger ships from 1 January 2028.
During this meeting, draft amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and the 1994 and 2000 High Speed Craft (HSC) Codes – to prohibit the use of fire-fighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid – were also agreed. The new requirements will be applicable to new and existing ships no later than the date of the first survey after the date of entry into force, which is expected to be 1 January 2026. Another key outcome from the sub-committee meeting was the finalisation of the amendments to SOLAS II-1 for Onboard Lifting Appliances and Anchor Handling Winches and the associated guidelines for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. The amendments to SOLAS and the two sets of guidelines are expected to enter into force 1 January 2026 and are applicable to both new and existing appliances.
SYBAss members will soon receive, as usual, a detailed report on the IMO sub-committee on Ship Design and Construction meeting.