IMO Advances Safety Framework for Green Shipping

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made significant strides in enhancing maritime safety and environmental protection during its recent Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) session held in London from January 19 to 23. Chaired by Mr. Erik Tvedt of Denmark, the meeting resulted in a draft workplan aimed at developing a safety framework for ships utilizing innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key actions were also taken to address underwater noise pollution and improve inspection techniques.

New Safety Framework for Greenhouse Gas Reduction

At the heart of the SDC’s discussions was the finalization of a workplan designed to create a safety regulatory framework for vessels employing alternative fuels and advanced technologies to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This draft workplan will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for approval in May 2026. The initiative aims to amend existing safety regulations concerning various energy sources, including nuclear power, wind propulsion, and lithium-ion batteries.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez hailed the completion of the workplan as a “major achievement,” emphasizing the need for safety regulations to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Once approved, the workplan will set critical milestones, including:

• • 2028: Adoption of amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/41, permitting batteries as the primary power source for electrical systems.

• • 2029: Approval of interim guidelines for the safety of ships using wind propulsion.

• • 2030: Adoption of the revised Nuclear Code and amendments to SOLAS chapter VIII.

Additionally, the SDC established a Correspondence Group focused on GHG safety, tasked with compiling information on nuclear and wind power and drafting amendments to facilitate the use of batteries in ships. This group will report its findings at the next SDC session in 2027.

Efforts to Mitigate Underwater Noise Pollution

The SDC also advanced initiatives to reduce underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial shipping, as outlined in the URN Action Plan approved at MEPC 82 in 2024. The Sub-Committee agreed to extend the experience-building phase (EBP) of this plan for an additional two years, aiming for completion in 2028. This extension will allow for further evaluation of the Revised URN Guidelines, which address the negative impacts of shipping noise on marine life.

Moreover, the SDC approved draft technical guidance aimed at integrating energy-efficient designs with noise reduction strategies during ship construction and retrofitting. This guidance recognizes the interconnectedness of energy efficiency and noise reduction, drawing on insights from previous workshops.

Baltic Sea Incident Raises Concerns Over Underwater Infrastructure

To further support these efforts, the Sub-Committee agreed on the terms of reference for an IMO-commissioned study on URN emissions. This study will provide essential data to establish targets for noise reduction and assess the current state of underwater noise pollution from ships.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the IMO’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to balancing safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship.