Recap: IMO SDC 12

The 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) was held at the IMO in London from 19 to 23 January 2026.

The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency for safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Through our permanent consultative status and our Technical & Environmental Director Lorenzo Pollicardo live present, we closely monitor, contribute and report.

The Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12) gathered and marked significant milestones in technical and operational matters related to ship design and construction. As usual, a full report is being shared with our member shipyards. However, going forward, we like to share our key take-aways from the important IMO meetings we attend with a broader yachting audience.

The major meeting highlights are summarised below:

• Safe Return to Port (SRtP): Amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1369 – Interim explanatory notes for the assessment of passenger ship systems’ capabilities after a fire or flooding casualty have been finalised, expected to be approved by MSC 111 (May 2026).
• Underwater Radiated Noise (URN): The Experience Building Phase (EBP) will be extended to 2028 to allow the industry to collect more data and experience. Additionally, the MEPC circular, Technical guidance on co-optimising energy efficiency and URN at the design and retrofit stage, was finalised and is expected to be approved at MEPC 84.
• Draft guidelines for use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP): The draft guidelines have been finalised. In the revision, particular attention has been given to alignment with existing IMO instruments, maintaining a performance-based approach, and introducing new fire test methodologies and structural performance.
• Safety regulatory framework to support the safe uptake of new technologies and alternative fuels: A work plan to be submitted to MSC 111 was prepared. The work plan includes developing technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, swappable traction lithium-ion battery containers, wind propulsion and wind-assisted power, and Nuclear power.

As SDC is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). It is also uncertain at this time whether the mentioned amendments or new regulations will eventually be adopted in future versions of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Codes or other flag codes.

We congratulate Mr. Erik Ingolf Tvedt for his re-election as chair of SDC and thank the SYBAss members once again for contributing to the progress made.