IMO CCC 10: Key outcomes

The Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) deals with the carriage of packaged dangerous goods, solid bulk cargoes, bulk gas cargoes, and containers. The Sub-Committee keeps updated the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. It also keeps under review other Codes including the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code). Lloyd’s register has provided the following key outcomes of the CCC 10: 

Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia

These Interim Guidelines have been finalized and are expected to be approved during MSC 109 (2-6 December 2024). They were developed using the IGF Code as a basis and provide a standard for the Alternative Design and Arrangements process in SOLAS Chapter II-2, regulation 55. The guidelines aim to establish an international standard for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel (excluding gas carriers using ammonia cargo as fuel). The Guidelines follow the goal-based standards approach and include goals and functional requirements. Due to timing constraints, some chapters lack detailed requirements on meeting the functional requirements. The draft covering Circular acknowledges that further development will be required once experience with the Guidelines has been gained.

Early implementation of IGC Code amendments – use of ammonia cargo as fuel

The deletion of the prohibition on using toxic cargo as fuel from the IGC Code was agreed by MSC 108. This allows ammonia carriers to use their cargo as fuel. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2026. However, MSC 108 agreed that voluntary early implementation could be considered at MSC 109, allowing Flag Administrations to apply these amendments as early as December 2024. This relaxation can apply to both new and existing ships, with Flag Administrations able to enforce it from 1 July 2026.

Related guidelines on using ammonia cargo as fuel for ships under the IGC Code:

These guidelines will be developed by correspondence ahead of CCC 11 next year, with a view to approval at MSC 111 in Spring 2026, before the entry into force date.

Draft MSC resolution with amendments to the IGC Code

CCC finalized the draft MSC resolution with amendments to the IGC Code for approval at MSC 109 and adoption at MSC 110, with an expected entry into force on 1 January 2028. The following non-exhaustive list of amendments/clarifications to the 2014 IGC Code were considered and finalized. The amendments include a variety of issues, including:

• Application of finite element analysis to type C tanks;
• Carriage of CO2 cargoes and the use of LPG and toxic cargoes as fuel;
• The causes and effects of an ESD (Emergency Shutdown);
• Cargo tank filling limits; and
• Ethane added to Chapter 16 as a cargo to be used as fuel.

Amendments to resolution A.1050(27) – Revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships

The draft revised recommendations have been finalized. Their objective is to encourage the adoption of safety procedures and the development of practices aimed at preventing casualties and enhancing the safety of personnel entering or working in enclosed spaces where there may be an oxygen-deficient, oxygen-enriched, flammable, or toxic atmosphere. In the event of an emergency in an enclosed space, the recommendations provide guidance for a planned and considered response, adhering to ship-specific enclosed space rescue plans.

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