01/27/2026
IMO Advances New Safety and Environmental Rules for Future Shipping
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) has concluded its 12th session with major progress on ship safety, decarbonization, and inspection standards, setting the stage for significant regulatory changes across the global maritime sector
Among the key developments was agreement in principle on new amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) covering both traditional and non-traditional propulsion and steering systems. These changes aim to address modern integrated propulsion technologies and establish international standards for ship maneuverability, with further technical work scheduled for the next session.
The Sub-Committee also finalized revised interim guidelines on the use of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures, focusing on fire safety and structural integrity. The guidelines introduce a comprehensive assessment framework covering ignition risk, smoke and toxicity, fire containment, and operational training. They will be submitted for approval in May 2026.
Significant progress was made on developing a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Nuclear propulsion, wind-assisted propulsion, and lithium-ion batteries were identified as priority technologies. A correspondence group was established to prepare groundwork for revising the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, which has not been updated since 1981. Future amendments to SOLAS are also planned to allow batteries to serve as a ship’s main electrical power source.
Passenger ship safety also featured prominently. The Sub-Committee finalized revised explanatory notes for assessing ship systems’ capability after fire or flooding casualties, introducing lifecycle design requirements and stricter performance criteria for safe return to port. The revised notes are expected to apply to ships contracted from 2028 onward.
In environmental policy, SDC approved technical guidance to help ship designers co-optimize energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise reduction, addressing growing concern over shipping’s impact on marine life. The experience-building phase for underwater noise mitigation will be extended to 2028.
On inspection and survey practices, draft guidelines on the use of remote inspection techniques (RIT) were finalized for ESP Code surveys. These establish standards for equipment certification, training, and defect detection, supporting wider use of digital and robotic inspection tools from 2028.
Additional outcomes included progress on engine control room alert management standards and amendments to the MODU Code to clarify emergency shutdown requirements for offshore drilling units.
The SDC outcomes will now be submitted to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee for approval, with many measures expected to enter into force between 2027 and 2032, reinforcing safety while supporting the industry’s transition to low- and zero-emission technologies
Here are more details from SDC 12 Brief
