IMO subcommittee on carriage of cargoes & containers

The 9th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 9) was held from 20 September to 29 September 2023. A summary of important outcomes of CCC 9 is given in the following.

A concise overview of key developments from CCC 9:

Interim Guidelines for Ships Using Hydrogen as Fuel:

These guidelines have undergone significant refinement and follow a goal-oriented approach. They comprehensively cover machinery, equipment, and systems using hydrogen as fuel, emphasizing risk mitigation for ships, crews, and the environment. Ongoing intersessional work aims to report progress at CCC 10 in September 2024.

Interim Guidelines for Ships Using Low Flashpoint Oil Fuels:

Anticipated for finalization in 2024, these guidelines set an international standard for ships

using oil-based fuels with flashpoints between 52°C and 60°C. A dedicated Correspondence Group will provide a report to CCC 10 in September 2024. This will be followed by an Intersessional Working Group scheduled to meet before CCC 10.

Interim Guidelines for Ships Using Ammonia:

These guidelines have evolved to establish international standards for ships using ammonia as fuel, also adopting a goal-oriented approach. Provisions cover the arrangement, installation, control, and monitoring of ammonia-based systems, prioritizing safety. Additional intersessional work will update progress at CCC 10 in September 2024. This will be followed by an Intersessional Working Group scheduled to meet before CCC 10.

Interim Guidelines for the Use of LPG Cargo as Fuel:

Due to industry urgency, CCC has developed goal-based guidelines for ships using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargo as fuel. These guidelines have been finalized and are set for approval at MSC 108 in May 2024, providing tailored guidance. (Note that LPG as fuel interim guidelines are already approved vide MSC.1/Circ.1666. The present guidelines are specifically aimed at LPG carriers using their own cargo as fuel.)

Revision of Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk:

As hydrogen containment systems grow to meet the demands of lengthier shipping routes, safety requirements for vacuum insulated pressurized/semi pressurized vessels become critical. To enable large-scale liquid hydrogen cargo carriage on ships, innovative containment system designs are essential. Despite technical and human challenges, the finalized Interim Recommendations for the Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk await approval at MSC 108, addressing this vital aspect of alternative fuel transport.

Amendments to IGF Code:

Draft amendments to the IGF Code were concluded, encompassing relief valve discharging lines, fuel tank inlets, insulation needs, hazardous area zoning, ventilation, and more, set for an anticipated 1 January 2028 entry-into-force date.

Amendments to IGC Code:

Progress was made on draft amendments to the IGC Code, aiming to finalize them at CCC 10, with an intended entry-into-force date of January 1, 2028. These amendments encompass clarifications of definitions, improvements to tank design standards, the introduction of safety requirements for various systems, and more.

High manganese austenitic steel:

The subcommittee approved high manganese austenitic steel for ammonia tanks, finalized revised MSC circular on steel guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.2) for approval at MSC 108 as MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.3 and MSC circular on alternative materials (MSC.1/Circ.1622) for approval at MSC 108 as MSC.1/Circ.1622/Rev.1.

Enclosed Space Entry:

A comprehensive review of Resolution A.1050(27) was undertaken, targeting completion by 2024. The progress encompassed crucial areas, including introducing new definitions, emphasizing safety management, hazard identification, and risk assessment, setting clear entry authorization stipulations, and more. A correspondence group has been established to work on this intersessionally.

Source: IRCLASS.

Tags: Cargo, Carriage, Hydrogen, IMO