The eleventh session of the IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee (SDC 11) met in London 13 – 17 January 2025, where many technical and operational requirements related to ship design and construction were discussed.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has provided a brief to inform of the matters discussed and overview of the more significant issues progressed at this session, including advancements in survey methods, safety regulations, material use, noise reduction, and emergency towing guidelines. According to LR, key outcomes of the Committee are as follows:
2011 ESP Code amendments relating to Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT)
Draft amendments have now been finalised to permit the use of RIT in support of surveyors undertaking a close-up survey of vessels to which the code applies. They are expected to be applicable from 1 January 2028. A set of guidelines is being developed which could also be applied to ship types other than tankers and bulk carriers once finalised.
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. Intersessional work will continue, and SDC 12 (January 2026) is expected to complete it. A number of related instruments have also been identified which potentially need amendments in line with the revision to MSC.1/Circ.1369 once finalised.
SOLAS amendments relating to traditional and non-traditional steering system and propulsion requirements:
The work on amendments to SOLAS chapters II-1 (part C – Machinery Installations) and V – Safety of Navigation and related instruments has been further progressed. It is expected to be finalised by 2028 and enter into force in January 2032. A high-level roadmap for the development of the requirements has been created, which includes the collection and study of results from, for example, ship manoeuvrability tests to better develop mandatory provisions.
Updates to the Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2009
A thorough review of the Code has been completed to harmonise it with some other IMO Codes and guidelines. MSC 110 will review the draft amendments and is expected to approve them.
Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) – Experience Building Phase (EBP)
As the EBP is currently underway, there is an urgent need to start collecting experience and results from the implementation of MEPC.1/Circ.906/Rev.1 – Revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life. The results from the EBP will form the basis for discussion and future developments expected to take place at SDC 12 in January 2026.
Draft guidelines for the use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures
This work was initially expected to be finalised at this session. However, the complexity and range of discussions were noted, and given that significant topics still require careful consideration, a correspondence group was established and will report to SDC 12 (January 2026). Its main focus will be on the development of 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 for approval. As it was noted that it will be necessary to gather industry experience on the application of these new requirements, the draft guidelines will be considered as “Interim” and are expected to be reviewed after a few years.
