Session: SSE 12 | Date: 10–14 March 2025 | Location: IMO Headquarters, London
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) met for its 12th session at IMO Headquarters in London from 10–14 March 2025. SSE is the sub-committee responsible for the technical and operational requirements for systems and safety equipment on ships, covering fire protection, life-saving appliances, and emerging technologies including battery energy storage and new energy vehicles. SSE reports to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
Fire Protection
SSE 12 finalised draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-2/3 and II-2/9 following a review of “Containment of Fire” requirements. The amendments incorporate existing guidance and clarify current requirements, with adoption expected at MSC 113 in 2027.
Additional fire protection outcomes included new guidelines for the design, performance, testing and approval of water mist lances, and amendments to the FSS Code exempting certain gasket materials from the 925°C melting point requirement for components of fixed gas fire extinguishing systems inside protected compartments.
Work also continued on amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code concerning the detection and control of fires in cargo holds and on the cargo decks of containerships, reflecting the industry-wide focus on the growing risk of undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods.
New Energy Vehicles and Battery Safety
SSE 12 agreed an updated action plan for enhancing fire safety on ships carrying new energy vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, with a revised target output year of 2029. The sub-committee confirmed that priority should be given to developing interim guidelines for the safety of ships using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), covering lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitor energy storage technology, and swappable traction battery containers. The guidelines are to be goal-based to accommodate new and emerging technologies.
This work is of direct relevance to the superyacht sector, where the installation of BESS for hotel load management and hybrid propulsion is increasingly common on new construction.
Life-Saving Appliances and SOLAS Chapter III
SSE 12 continued development of goal-based amendments to SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code. Of particular note, the sub-committee progressed amendments requiring the carriage of self-righting or canopied reversible liferafts on new ships, with an expected entry into force date of 1 January 2032.
Limited progress was made on the comprehensive review of requirements for the maintenance, examination, testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear under Resolution MSC.402(96), with further work deferred to future sessions.
Training and Model Courses
Model Course 3.06 on the Survey of Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements was validated at SSE 12 and will be published in due course.
Implications for the Superyacht Industry
While many of the outputs from SSE 12 are directed at the commercial shipping sector, the developing requirements for BESS safety and new energy vehicle carriage are of growing relevance to large yacht operators. Owners and managers should monitor progress on the interim BESS guidelines in particular, as these are likely to inform flag state and classification society requirements for future newbuilds and refits.
WYS will continue to monitor SSE developments through its representation of ICOMIA at IMO and will provide further updates as these measures progress through the MSC approval process.
