IMO SSE 12: Key agenda items

March 11 ------ The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) convenes for its twelfth session at IMO Headquarters in London from 9 to 13 March.

The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) deals with a wide range of technical and operational matters related to systems and equipment on all types of ships, vessels, craft and mobile units covered by IMO instruments. This includes life-saving equipment, appliances and arrangements; and fire detection and fire extinguishing systems.

SSE 12 agenda highlights:

• Life-saving appliances and SOLAS chapter III

• Revision of the 2010 Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code

• Fire detection and suppression on containerships

• Containment of fire under SOLAS regulation II-2/9

• Safety of ships carrying new energy vehicles

• Maintenance of fixed CO₂ fire-extinguishing systems

• Safety framework for battery-equipped ships and energy storage systems

Life-saving appliances

A major focus of SSE 12 will be life-saving appliances (LSA), where the Sub-Committee aims to advance the technical and regulatory requirements for lifeboats and life rafts. Key priorities include:

• Ventilation in partially enclosed lifeboats – Reviewing and updating ventilation standards to ensure adequate safety and comfort for occupants.

• Goal-based revision of Chapter III and the LSA Code – Continuing efforts to modernize the regulatory framework to reflect current best practices and emerging technologies.

• Self-righting and canopied reversible life rafts – Addressing outstanding safety issues for new ships, including testing provisions to verify performance.

Fire protection

On the fire safety front, SSE 12 will continue a comprehensive review of the 2010 Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code to align it with current shipbuilding materials and methods. This modernization effort includes:

• SOLAS regulation II-2/9 – Converting decades of non-mandatory Unified Interpretations into mandatory text, clarifying requirements for fire containment across vessels.

• Containership fire detection and control – Advancing amendments for portable infrared thermal imagers and water mist lances, enhancing firefighting capabilities for crew members.

• New energy vehicle risks – Addressing hazards from battery-electric vehicles, including thermal runaway and re-ignition, to improve early detection and suppression measures.

GHG reduction and battery energy storage systems

SSE 12 will also explore safety regulations related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction technologies. With battery-equipped ships projected to grow by 40% in the near future and potentially comprise 18% of the global fleet by 2050, interim guidelines for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are critical. These guidelines aim to:

• Provide a global safety framework for ships using battery systems.

• Support safe implementation while regulatory regimes continue to evolve.

• Encourage the shipping industry to adopt low- and zero-emission technologies without compromising safety.

Source: safety4sea.com