During its 109th session on 2-6 December, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) adopted amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes as part of the ongoing efforts to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment and having regard to the nature of the fuels involved.
The International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), adopted by resolution MSC.5(48), has been mandatory under SOLAS chapter VII since 1 July 1986 and aims to provide an international standard for the safe carriage by sea in bulk of liquefied gases and the substance.
On the other hand, the purpose of the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) is to provide an international standard for ships, other than vessels covered by the IGC Code, operating with gas or low-flashpoint liquids as fuel.
The Committee adopted amendments to the following mandatory Codes under SOLAS:
In regards to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)
The Committee adopted amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, related to the use as fuel of cargoes identified as toxic products, in the context of alternative fuels and new technologies. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2026.
The Committee also approved an MSC circular on the voluntary early application of the IGC Code, associated with these amendments.
In regards to the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)
The Committee adopted amendments to parts A and A-1 of the IGF Code relate to ship design, fire safety, ventilation and other safety issues. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.
Noting that there may be capacity-building implications in relation to these amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes, the Committee agreed to advise the Technical Cooperation Committee accordingly and encourage Member States in need of capacity-building assistance to contact IMO.
