IMO CCC 12 progresses new rules for alternative fuels and cargo safety

The 12th session of IMO's Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12) took place 14-18 September, progressing work on alternative fuels, onboard carbon capture, cargo safety, dangerous goods and cargo securing.

CCC 12 finalized the revision of the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621), taking into account industry experience since their adoption in 2020.

Work continued on new and revised guidelines for alternative fuels and technologies, including low-flashpoint oil fuels, fuel cell power installations and onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS). Issues under consideration include the classification of fuel cell spaces, ventilation requirements, fire-protected boundaries, the inclusion of high-temperature fuel cells and alignment with the IMO guidelines for ships using hydrogen as fuel.

CCC 12 began developing new goal- and risk-based Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage Systems.

CCC 12 also agreed to a comprehensive revision of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code). A draft MSC circular containing the revised Code will be prepared for submission to MSC 112 in December 2026. CCC 12 also agreed to establish a permanent Technical Body to oversee the Code's future maintenance and updating.

CCC 12 also considered amendments to section 4.2 of the IMSBC Code concerning the information provided by shippers, including subsidiary hazards, MHB identification and supporting certificates.

CCC 12 also identified a potential safety gap concerning SP188, which provides exemptions for certain small lithium and sodium batteries. The Sub-Committee agreed that further work is needed to address the potential fire risk from large quantities of such batteries consolidated in containers.