Maritime Safety Committee Highlights Key Amendments, Autonomous Ships, and Cybersecurity Developments

The 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee took place at IMO Headquarters in London from December 2 to 6, 2024. Key outcomes included the adoption of amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes, focusing on the use of toxic products as fuel and ship design safety issues. The amendments are expected to come into force in 2026 and 2028, respectively. Additionally, progress was made in developing a regulatory framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), with a revised roadmap outlining key milestones leading to the adoption of a mandatory MASS Code by 2032.

The Committee also received updates on the development of a safety regulatory framework to support ships using new technologies and alternative fuels, as well as advancements in cyber risk management in the maritime sector. Efforts were made to enhance cybersecurity standards for ships and port facilities, with plans to establish a working group at the next session. Moreover, updates on piracy and armed robbery against ships were discussed, with a decrease in reported incidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

In addition, the Committee approved guidelines on the recovery of deceased persons, addressing the proper handling of non-survivors in migrant boats. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety and respect of individuals in distress at sea, emphasizing legal, cultural, and public health considerations. The approved guidelines will be forwarded to the Facilitation Committee for concurrent approval, enhancing protocols for maritime search and rescue operations.

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