Skip to main content

Blog Archives

IACS PARTICIPATION AT CCC 11

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) which will meet from 8 to 12 September 2025.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted the following documents:

CCC 11/3/1 proposing amendments to paragraph 5.7.1 of the IGF Code. The proposed amendment expands paragraph 5.7.1 of the IGF Code to include “fuel gas vent pipes” in order to align the IGF Code and the IGC Code.

CCC 11/3/13 commenting on the report of the correspondence group report as regards the development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen fuels (part 1). The comments in this document relate to sections 2 to 6 of document CCC 11/3.

CCC 11/3/14 commenting on the report of the correspondence group report as regards the development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen fuels (part 2). The comments in this document relate to sections 7 to 11 of document CCC 11/3.

CCC 11/3/15 commenting on the report of the correspondence group report as regards the development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen fuels (part 3). The comments in this document relate to sections 12 to 20 of document CCC 11/3.

CCC 11/9 notifying the Sub-Committee of the IACS unified interpretation UI GF 22 on paragraph 9.6.1 of the IGF Code in respect of gas fuel vent pipes of single-walled construction in machinery spaces. IACS members intend to implement the new UI on 1 July 2026 unless instructed otherwise by the flag Administration, in writing.

CCC 11/9/2 proposing an amendment to the unified interpretation of paragraph 9.2.2 of the IGF Code, as set out in MSC.1/Circ.1670. The amendment clarifies the requirements for when a single common flange may be accepted in a piping system for fuel transfer in accordance with the IGF Code.

CCC 11/9/3 proposing a revised interpretation of the IGC Code, related to the secondary barrier testing and effectiveness assessment. This document reflects on the discussion at CCC 9 on a proposed UI for paragraphs of the IGC Code relating to secondary barrier testing and effectiveness assessment (CCC 9/10/1). The proposals have been further developed through several risk assessments by independent third parties and based on experience gained between 2019 and 2024.

CCC 11/15/1 notifying the Sub-Committee of the IACS unified interpretation GF 21 of paragraph 11.7.1 of the Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621). The UI relates to the fixed fire-extinguishing system in machinery spaces and fuel preparation spaces where methyl/ethyl alcohol-fuelled engines or fuel pumps are arranged. IACS members are to implement the UI on ships contracted for construction on or after 1 January 2026, to which the flag Administration has required the application of MSC.1/Circ.1621, unless instructed otherwise, in writing.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Mr Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

Tripartite reaffirms support for IMO as global regulator


In light of recent developments, the Tripartite participating organisations reaffirmed their support to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the global regulator for international shipping, capable of delivering effective regulations in close collaboration with the maritime community.

The Tripartite Forum of shipbuilders, shipowners and classification societies convened for their annual conference in Busan, South Korea, bringing together more than 70 delegates from 13 countries.

The Tripartite has been meeting for over two decades and has a distinguished record of tackling the most significant engineering challenges, notably initiating the development of the Common Structural Rules for bulk carriers and tankers, Permanent Means of Access for tankers, and the mandatory standards for coating ballast and cargo tanks.

Tripartite’s recent meeting, from 22 to 23 October 2025, continued this tradition with discussions on the more pressing technical issues facing the industry. The range of topics explored in this year’s forum included decarbonisation, onboard carbon capture, autonomous ships, biofouling, ballast water treatment, underwater radiated noise, software maintenance and grey water. Delegates who contributed to the extraordinary session of the MEPC at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) also discussed the implications for the maritime sector, in light of that meeting. On this timely occasion, the Tripartite participating organisations reaffirmed their support to the IMO as the global regulator for international shipping, capable of delivering effective regulations in close collaboration with the maritime community.

IMO’s immediate past Secretary General, Kitack Lim, was a guest of honour at this year’s event and brought with him a depth of knowledge and experience.

On behalf of this year’s organising association International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General, Thomas A. Kazakos, said:

“The shipyards of tomorrow will not only build vessels; they will build confidence in the industry’s ability to meet its sustainability goals. By working closely with classification societies and shipowners, shipbuilders can ensure that the ships of the future are not only compliant with new regulations and fuels but are also designed to operate safely, efficiently, and competitively in an increasingly complex world. Collaboration, foresight, and a continued focus on safety will be the foundation on which the next generation of shipbuilding excellence is built.”

The Tripartite organisations welcomed the progress made in the working groups on Underwater Radiated Noise, Future Proofing of the Maritime Safety Regime, Safe Decarbonisation, Safe Digital Transformation, Ship Life-Time GHG Accounting, Automated Fuel Consumption and Data Gathering.

Next year’s forum will take place in Q4 2026, in Japan.

Ends

Notes to Editors
About ASEF
The Active Shipbuilding Experts’ Federation (ASEF) is an international industry association composed of leading shipbuilding organizations from various countries.
Established with the aim of promoting safety, environmental protection, and technological innovation in the maritime sector, ASEF plays a vital role in advancing global cooperation within the shipbuilding industry.

About BIMCO
BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with 2,100 members in 120 countries, representing 64% of the world’s tonnage. Our global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers, and agents. BIMCO is a non-profit organisation.

About CESA
CESA represents the interests of shipbuilding, ship maintenance, repair and conversion shipyards, and maritime equipment providers at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.

About IACS
Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

About INTERCARGO
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 350 forward thinking companies from 35 countries – https://www.intercargo.org

About ICS
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal global trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet – www.ics-shipping.org

About INTERTANKO
INTERTANKO, the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970, ensuring that the liquid energy that keeps the world turning is shipped safely, responsibly and competitively. As of January 2025, the organisation has 178 Members, whose combined fleet comprises over 3,800 tankers totalling over 355 million dwt. INTERTANKO’s Associate Membership stands at some 220 companies and organisations related to the tanker industry. www.intertanko.com

About SEA Europe
SEA Europe represents close to 100% of the European shipbuilding industry in 17 nations, encompassing the production, maintenance, repair, and conversion of all types of ships and floating structures, commercial as well as naval, including the full supply chain with the various producers of maritime systems, equipment material, and services.
SEA Europe’s membership is situated in EU Member States, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
As an NGO observer at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), CESA represents the shipbuilding industry and its supply chain from EU Member States, Norway, and Turkey.