Dear SYBAss member,
The 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) was held in person from 11 to 17 January 2025. SDC 11 agreed on further development of Draft amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1369 (Safe Return to port), Draft Interim Guidelines for emergency towing arrangements for ships other than tankers, and establishment of a correspondence group on Draft guidelines for use of FRP within ship structures.
The major meeting highlights are summarised below:
- Safe Return to Port: Draft amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1369 – Interim explanatory notes for the assessment of passenger ship systems’ capabilities after a fire or flooding casualty have been further developed but not finalised.
- SOLAS requirements for traditional and non-traditional steering system and propulsion requirements: amendments to SOLAS chapters II-1 (part C – Machinery Installations) and V – Safety of Navigation and related instruments were further progressed.
- Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) – Experience Building Phase (EBP): as the EBP is currently underway, The Sub-Committee highlighted the urgency of starting to collect experience and results from the implementation of the MEPC.1/Circ.906/Rev.1 – Revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life.
- Draft guidelines for use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures: SDC 11 recognised the complexity of this topic and approved the establishment of a further correspondence group to develop updates on fire safety and recycling related matters.
- Draft Interim Guidelines for emergency towing arrangements (ETA) for ships other than tankers: SDC 11 completed the draft amendments which are expected to be submitted to MSC 110 (June 2025) for approval.
The following notes are a summary of the relevant topics and outcomes discussed. Note that the presented information reflects the status at the time of Ship Design Sub-Committee 11 which may change as a result of ongoing developments. As SDC is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). It is also uncertain at this time whether the mentioned amendments or new regulations will eventually be adopted in future versions of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Codes or other flag codes.
Best regards,
Lorenzo Pollicardo
Technical & Environmental Director