Session: SDC 12 | Date: 19–23 January 2026 | Location: IMO Headquarters, London
The 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12) met in London from 19 to 23 January 2026. The Sub-Committee addressed a broad agenda covering remote inspection techniques, fibre-reinforced plastics, passenger ship safety, machinery space escape arrangements, and an ambitious new workplan for emerging technologies including wind propulsion, battery power, and nuclear propulsion. This report focuses on the outcomes of greatest relevance to superyacht designers, surveyors, builders, and operators.
Remote Inspection Techniques — Guidelines Finalised
SDC 12 finalised the new draft guidelines for the use of remote inspection techniques (RITs) under the 2011 ESP Code, following MSC 110’s approval of the underlying Code amendments. RITs encompass drones, underwater ROVs, robotic arm systems, and real-time remote sensing devices used to conduct close-up surveys without the need for direct physical access by the attending surveyor.
These guidelines are expected to be approved at MSC 111 in May 2026, with entry into force in January 2028. For the superyacht industry, the practical implication is that surveyors will have greater flexibility in how structural inspections are conducted — potentially reducing dry-docking time, improving access to complex geometries, and enabling more thorough documentation of structural condition. Yacht builders and owners should discuss with their class societies how RITs may be incorporated into upcoming survey cycles.
Fibre-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) — Revised Guidelines
SDC 12 finalised revised guidelines for the use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures, addressing fire safety and structural performance. The revision updates the 2017 interim guidelines and introduces new fire test methodologies and a performance-based approach. These will be submitted to MSC 111 for approval.
FRP materials are widely used in superyacht construction — particularly in hull, superstructure, and interior fit-out. Designers, builders, and classification society plan approval teams should review the updated guidelines to ensure that new construction and refit projects align with the revised framework, particularly in relation to fire safety requirements for FRP elements in structural applications.
Machinery Space Escape Arrangements
There was significant discussion at SDC 12 regarding SOLAS regulations II-2/13.4.1.1 and 13.4.2.1 on means of escape from the lower part of machinery spaces. After extensive review, the Sub-Committee found strong support for the position that no safety issues are associated with current shipbuilding methods and arrangements, and decided not to amend SOLAS at this stage. A related MSC circular was requested to be revoked, and further discussion of PSC inspection approaches was referred to the III Sub-Committee.
This outcome provides regulatory clarity for builders and operators: existing escape arrangements compliant with current SOLAS requirements are acceptable, and there is no imminent structural amendment required.
Safe Return to Port — Explanatory Notes Updated
SDC 12 finalised a revised version of the explanatory notes supporting the Safe Return to Port (SRtP) concept for passenger ships. The SRtP framework requires that passenger ships be designed to return to port under their own power following a defined casualty scenario, without relying on external assistance for a specified period.
For superyachts carrying more than 12 passengers (and thus classified as passenger ships), SRtP requirements can have significant implications for systems redundancy, fire containment, and stability. Flag administrations and naval architects working on new passenger yacht designs should review the updated explanatory notes carefully when developing design appraisals.
Engine Control Room Alert Management (ECRAM)
Following the near-grounding of the Viking Sky in 2019 — in part attributed to crew being overwhelmed by alarms — SDC 12 agreed a draft outline and roadmap for the development of performance standards for engine control room alert management. A Correspondence Group was established to progress the work, with finalisation of standards expected by 2028.
While aimed principally at larger vessels, the principles underlying ECRAM — minimising alarm overload and improving human-machine interface design in machinery control environments — are directly applicable to highly automated superyacht engine rooms. Operators and builders of complex vessels should treat this as an area of best practice regardless of mandatory applicability.
Emerging Technologies Workplan — Battery, Wind, Nuclear
SDC 12 developed a workplan for the creation of a safety regulatory framework covering emerging propulsion and power technologies, including battery systems as the main source of electrical power, wind propulsion and wind-assisted propulsion, and nuclear reactors. Key milestones include:
- Amendments to SOLAS II-1/41 for battery main electrical power — targeting MSC 113 approval
- Interim guidelines for wind propulsion — targeting MSC 116 approval
- Revised Nuclear Code — targeting MSC 117 approval
These developments are directly relevant to the growing number of superyachts exploring hybrid-electric, full-electric, and wind-assisted propulsion systems. Designers and owners considering innovative propulsion for new builds should engage early with classification societies and flag administrations to navigate the emerging regulatory landscape.
Underwater Radiated Noise (URN)
SDC 12 agreed terms of reference for an IMO-commissioned study on underwater radiated noise (URN) emissions, aimed at developing reduction targets and a baseline for ships. The Sub-Committee also approved supplementary guidance integrating URN reduction with energy efficiency frameworks. URN from shipping is increasingly recognised as a significant environmental concern, particularly in ecologically sensitive cruising areas frequented by superyachts. Owners and operators of vessels used in nature-sensitive regions should monitor this developing regulatory area.
