CCC 12 advanced several safety instruments covering alternative fuels, onboard carbon capture, bulk cargoes, dangerous goods and container securing. The main outcomes and next steps are summarised below.

Alternative fuels

• Methyl and ethyl alcohol: CCC 12 finalised a substantial revision of MSC.1/Circ.1621. The revised text adds or strengthens provisions on toxicity, bunkering, fire safety, ventilation, operations, training and personnel protection. Approval is expected at MSC 113 in June 2027.
• Low flashpoint oil fuels: work continued on interim guidelines for oil fuels with flashpoints from 52 degrees C to 60 degrees C. Finalisation was deferred to CCC 13 so that a correspondence group can refine the draft.
• Fuel cell installations: revision of MSC.1/Circ.1647 will continue by correspondence. CCC 13 is expected to work towards completion, followed by possible approval at MSC 114 in 2028.

GHG emission reduction technologies

• Onboard carbon capture and storage: CCC 12 began developing goal and risk based interim safety guidelines. Technology-specific annexes will be added as systems mature. The current programme targets finalisation at CCC 14 in 2028, with approval expected in 2029.

Cargoes and container securing

• Cargo Securing Manual: amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2 were finalised to allow approved lashing software to supplement the manual. The draft is expected to be submitted to MSC 113 in June 2027.
• CSS Code: CCC 12 agreed to pursue a standardised method for assessing container securing efficiency, with a target completion year of 2030.
• IMSBC and IMDG Codes: work progressed on new and revised cargo schedules, improved cargo information, battery transport provisions and other safety amendments.

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The IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers held its twelfth session in London from 14 to 18 September 2026. This report presents the meeting outcomes that are most relevant to ship design, operation, cargo safety and regulatory planning. It distinguishes completed draft work from matters that remain under correspondence groups, editorial and technical groups, or future IMO sessions.

The IGF Code and alternative fuels

Methyl and ethyl alcohol fuel guidelines

The Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl or Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel, MSC.1/Circ.1621, were approved in 2020. CCC 12 completed a revision based on operational and design experience gathered since their adoption. The principal changes are as follows:

• New toxicity provisions for methanol, including matters to address in risk assessments and alarm arrangements.
• Closer alignment with the International Bulk Chemical Code.
• Updated cofferdam provisions. The minimum 600 mm boundary remains, while sequential-sampling gas detection may be accepted as an alternative to continuous sampling.
• More detailed requirements for bunkering stations, bunkering systems and operations, including vapour-return lines.
• Provisions for independent fuel tanks and secondary enclosures around fuel-supply systems.
• Requirements for vent pipes, holding tanks, and pressure and vacuum relief systems.
• Oxygen sensors in every space containing an inert-gas system.
• Additional provisions on materials.
• Minimum ventilation rates of 10 air changes per hour in normal operation and 30 air changes per hour under emergency ventilation.
• New chapters addressing personnel protection, training, drills and emergency exercises.

MSC 113 is expected to approve the revised guidelines in 2027. Their later conversion into mandatory IGF Code provisions is likely to follow after further industry experience has been collected.

Figure 2  Methanol alternative fuel resource Open resource

Low flashpoint oil fuel guidelines

CCC continued developing goal-based interim guidelines for oil fuels with flashpoints between 52 degrees C and 60 degrees C. Once adopted, the guidelines could support alternative-design submissions under SOLAS regulation II-1/55. The draft was not completed during CCC 12. A correspondence group will refine it for further consideration and expected finalisation at CCC 13.

Fuel cell power installation guidelines

The Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Fuel Cell Power Installations, MSC.1/Circ.1647, were approved in 2022. Their revision is intended to capture operational experience and lessons learned. CCC 12 did not complete a detailed technical review, and work will continue by correspondence. The main issues identified for further examination are:

• Whether fuel cell spaces should be reclassified from hazardous area Zone 1 to Zone 2.
• Whether current ventilation requirements are more conservative than necessary.
• Whether A-60 fire-protected boundaries should remain mandatory for fuel cell spaces.
• How the guidelines should be expanded to cover high-temperature fuel cells, including solid oxide fuel cells and molten carbonate fuel cells.
• How MSC.1/Circ.1647 should align with MSC.1/Circ.1701, the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Hydrogen as Fuel.

The current schedule anticipates completion at CCC 13 in 2027 and possible approval at MSC 114 in 2028.

Proposed IGF Code amendments for LNG fuel

Time constraints prevented CCC 12 from concluding the following LNG-related amendments. A correspondence group will continue the work for CCC 13.

Draft provision	Purpose or issue
New paragraph 9.6.2 bis	Introduce specific technical requirements for the vent pipes of internal-combustion engines.
New paragraph 11.5.2 bis and amendments to 11.5.3	Align water-spray nozzle provisions with the IGC Code and account for anticipated liquid rundown.
New paragraph 11.3.4	Add insulation requirements for structures supporting open-deck fuel tanks above cargo tanks carrying hazardous liquids. The proposal applies to tankers; the existing paragraph would be retained and renumbered.
Amendment to paragraph 5.7.1	Clarify that fuel-gas vent pipes form part of the fuel-gas piping system.
Amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1670 on paragraph 9.2.2	Clarify what must be submitted to Administrations or recognised organisations when approval is sought for a single common flange at the fuel connection to a gas consumer.
Amendments to paragraphs 5.9.2, 5.12.3, 6.5.10, 8.5.5, 13.3, 13.4.1, 13.6.3 and 13.8	Remove undefined terminology, update cross-references and clarify ambiguous requirements.

Table 1  Draft LNG fuel amendments referred for further work

Work plan for alternative fuel safety instruments

The agreed work plan sequences six guideline packages between 2025 and 2030. Coloured cells show the years assigned to each instrument.

Instrument	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
Interim guidelines for low flashpoint oil fuels	X	X	X	X
Revised interim guidelines for methyl and ethyl alcohol fuels	X	X	X
Revised interim guidelines for fuel cell power installations		X	X	X
Interim guidelines for onboard carbon capture and storage systems		X	X	X	X
Revised interim guidelines for LPG, MSC.1/Circ.1666				X	X	X
Revised interim guidelines for ammonia fuel			X	X	X

Figure 3  Agreed development periods for alternative fuel safety instruments

Subject to IMO Council approval, the fourth intersessional working group on alternative fuels is expected to meet from 13 to 17 September 2027, immediately before CCC 13. Its work will focus on low flashpoint oil fuels and the revision of the fuel cell installation guidelines.

New technologies supporting GHG emission reduction

Onboard carbon capture and storage safety guidelines

Integrating onboard carbon capture and storage systems with ship machinery, structures and operations introduces safety risks that are not fully covered by existing instruments. CCC 12 therefore began developing goal and risk based interim guidelines. The core instrument will set goals and functional requirements, while annexes will provide prescriptive requirements for technologies that have reached sufficient maturity.

Intersessional work will first develop the main goals and functional requirements. Prescriptive provisions are expected to begin with chemical absorption and may also cover mineralisation. The programme anticipates finalisation at CCC 14 in 2028 and subsequent approval in 2029.

Figure 4  Onboard carbon capture retrofit resource Open resource

Cargo safety and transport

IMSBC Code amendments and supplements

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code is reviewed regularly to reflect new substances and updated requirements. Amendment 09-27 is expected to become available for voluntary application from 1 January 2028, subject to flag State acceptance, and to become mandatory on 1 January 2029.

CCC 12 agreed in principle to several new and revised cargo schedules and referred them, together with related draft amendments, to Editorial and Technical Group 45 for completion. Adoption is expected at MSC 113 in June 2027.

Bulk cargo shipping name	MHB classification	Group
BITUMINOUS GRANULATES COARSE	N/A	C
LIME MUD	N/A	A
MULLITE CCC 12/5	N/A	C
KAOLINITE	N/A	C
UNTREATED INCINERATOR BOTTOM ASH U-IBA	WF and TX	A and B
SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH HYDROCARBONS PFAS ASBESTOS OR HEAVY METALS	TX	A and B
TABULAR ALUMINA	N/A	C
DIRECT SHIPPING ORE SPODUMENE	N/A	C
SEED CAKE non hazardous	N/A	C

Table 2  New draft IMSBC cargo schedules agreed in principle

Hazard classification used in the schedules

• MHB means material hazardous only in bulk.
• WF identifies solids that evolve flammable gas when wet.
• TX identifies toxic solids.
• Group A covers cargoes that may liquefy when their moisture content exceeds the transportable moisture limit.
• Group B covers cargoes with a chemical hazard that could create a dangerous situation on board.
• Group C covers cargoes that are not classified in Group A or Group B.

Cargo information under IMSBC Code section 4.2

A proposed amendment to section 4.2 addresses gaps and inconsistencies in information supplied by shippers. The proposal focuses on subsidiary hazards, identification of MHB hazards and the supporting certificates that accompany cargo information.

Matters referred to Editorial and Technical Group 45

1. Bulk Cargo Identification Numbers: proposed unique BC numbers would sit alongside each bulk cargo shipping name. The numbers are intended to improve identification, support electronic data exchange and reduce cargo misidentification.
2. Ventilation guidance: a proposed CCC circular would distinguish operational ventilation under the IMSBC Code from ship-design requirements in SOLAS and the Load Line Convention. Fire-protection closure arrangements would continue to apply.
3. Additional draft schedules: BITUMINOUS GRANULATES FINES, ULEXITE, DIATOMITE, POLYMETALLIC NODULES, AMORPHOUS GRAPHITE and AMORPHOUS GRAPHITE FINES require further examination.
4. References: expired standards and circulars cited in IMSBC Code amendment 08-25 require updating.

IMDG Code amendment 44 28

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code follows a two-year amendment cycle. CCC 12 began work on amendment 44-28 and referred the proposals below to Editorial and Technical Group 46, which is expected to meet in spring 2027. Adoption is planned for MSC 114 in 2028. Subject to flag Administration agreement, voluntary use would begin on 1 January 2029, followed by mandatory application on 1 January 2030.

Sodium ion batteries under special provisions 376 and 377

Packages carried under special provision 376 or 377 must display descriptions such as DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE, SODIUM ION BATTERIES FOR DISPOSAL, or SODIUM ION BATTERIES FOR RECYCLING. Paragraph 5.4.1.4.3.8 does not currently require the transport document to repeat that information in the dangerous-goods description. The proposed amendment would close this gap so that transport personnel can identify the battery condition or intended disposition from the document itself.

Battery exemptions in containerised transport

Special provision 188 exempts small lithium and sodium batteries from most dangerous-goods requirements. Although an individual package may present limited risk, large quantities may be consolidated in one cargo transport unit without dangerous-goods documentation, placarding or carrier awareness. CCC identified this as a potentially significant concealed fire hazard and invited proposals for consideration by Editorial and Technical Group 46.

Self reactive substances and organic peroxides

The existing explosion-hazard provision in paragraph 7.3.7.2 appears within the temperature-control requirements. This placement may imply that it applies only to temperature-controlled cargoes. The proposed revision would align the Code with the UN Model Regulations and make clear that the requirement applies to all self-reactive substances, organic peroxides and polymerising substances carried in closed cargo transport units.

Revision of the CTU Code

The IMO ILO UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units provides internationally recognised guidance for the safe packing, handling and transport of freight containers, road vehicles, rail wagons and other cargo transport units. It is non-mandatory but widely used as the international benchmark for packing practice.

Because regulation, technology and industry practice have changed considerably since the Code was published in 2014, CCC 12 agreed to a comprehensive revision prepared by a joint group of experts. A draft MSC circular containing the revised Code is scheduled for submission to MSC 112 in December 2026. CCC 12 also supported a permanent technical body to maintain and update the Code in future.

Cargo securing

Cargo Securing Manual and lashing software

SOLAS regulation VI/5.6 requires cargoes other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes, cargo units and cargo transport units to be loaded, stowed and secured throughout the voyage in accordance with a Cargo Securing Manual approved by the Administration. The manual is prepared using the recommendations in MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2.

Existing guidance does not establish harmonised performance standards for lashing software, even though such software is increasingly used on containerships. Different products may therefore apply different methods, assumptions and outputs when assessing securing arrangements. CCC 12 finalised amendments that add interim performance standards as a dedicated appendix and allow approved lashing software to supplement the Cargo Securing Manual.

The proposed standards cover software functions, operating manuals, the human machine interface, calculation methods, tolerances, approval, testing, surveys, data exchange and links with external systems.

Expected application to container ships

• Ships with keels laid, or at an equivalent stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2027: the revised guidelines would apply in full, including the appendix on lashing software performance.
• Ships with keels laid, or at an equivalent stage of construction, on or after 1 January 2015 but before 1 July 2027: the revised guidelines would apply, except for the new lashing software appendix.
• Ships with keels laid, or at an equivalent stage of construction, before 1 January 2015: only chapters 1 to 4 of the revised guidelines would apply.
• Voluntary application: Administrations would be encouraged to apply the complete revised guidelines to any container ship, regardless of construction date. In that case, the Administration would need to reapprove the entire Cargo Securing Manual.

Approval of the revised guidelines is expected at MSC 113 in June 2027.

CCC 12 also agreed to propose a new CSS Code annex containing a standardised method for assessing the efficiency of container securing arrangements on containerships. The proposal, which has a target completion year of 2030, will be submitted to MSC 113 for further consideration.

 

Publication note

The source briefing was issued immediately after CCC 12 to provide timely information. Circular and resolution numbers may change when the IMO publishes final instruments, and readers should confirm final regulatory text before relying on it for compliance decisions. This rewritten report is based on the September 2026 CCC 12 briefing note published by Lloyd’s Register. Copyright, trademarks and ownership of the source material remain with their respective holders. The rewrite does not replace official IMO instruments, flag Administration requirements or class approval.