Critical amendments in SOLAS Chapters II-2 and V to become effective from 2026

In particular, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at its 108th session adopted the resolution MSC.550(108) on 23 May 2024 to amend the SOLAS. Main amendments to Chapter II-2 and Chapter V of SOLAS are summarized as follow, amongst others:

MSC.550(108) – Chapter II-2/B/4.2.1.9
Requirements for oil fuel delivered to and used on board ships not to jeopardize the safety of ships or adversely affect the performance of the machinery or be harmful to personnel.

MSC.550(108) – Chapter II-2/C/7.5.5
Requirement for all control stations and cargo control rooms of cargo ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026 to be fitted with a fire detection and fire alarm system according to the applicable method (i.e. IC, IIC and IIIC).

MSC.550(108) – Chapter II-2/G/20
Amended requirements for new and existing roro passenger ships to enhance the fire safety of vehicle spaces, special category spaces and open and closed ro-ro spaces and introduce of new requirements for weather decks intended for carriage of vehicles.

MSC.550(108) – Chapter V/31 & 32
Reporting procedure relating to the detection, positioning, tracking, and recovery of containers lost at sea.

Shipowners, ship managers, ship operators, ship masters, classification societies and shipbuilders of Hong Kong registered ships are required to take note of these amendments and act accordingly