The International Marine Organisation (IMO) Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 9), occurring from 27th February to 3rd of March, 2023, finalized the 2023 Code of Safety for Diving Systems and the interim guidelines on safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages.
2023 Diving Code finalized
The new Code revises the existing one, adopted in 1995 by the IMO Assembly by resolution A.831(19)), as well as incorporates a revision of the Guidelines and specifications for Hyperbaric Evacuation Systems (resolution A.692(17)).
Safe operation of onshore power supply – interim guidelines agreed
The Sub-Committee also finalized draft interim guidelines on safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages, for submission to MSC 107, with a view to approval.
The aim of the interim guidelines is to address the need for global standards for the process of providing shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth while its main and auxiliary engines are turned off.
In addition to choosing cleaner, greener fuels, utilizing onshore power supply (also known as “cold ironing”, “alternative maritime power” and “shore-side electricity”) is another solution to reducing air pollution and emissions from ships, as well as limiting local noise.
