The IMO's Ship Systems and Equipment Sub-Committee meets in London to address vital maritime safety standards and innovative technologies.
The 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), operating under the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), commenced on Monday, March 9, 2026, in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The summit, which sets safety standards for the global maritime sector, will continue until Friday, March 13, and features an intensive agenda aimed at reshaping the standards for ship systems and next-generation technologies.
Many vital issues directly related to maritime safety are being discussed during the meeting. New requirements for the ventilation of life-saving appliances, the revision of maintenance and inspection guidelines for fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems, and the updating of SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code are among the main agenda items. Additionally, the revision of the 2010 FTP Code to allow new fire protection systems, the enhancement of thermal performance standards for diving suits, and a comprehensive review of the challenges in implementing MSC.402(96) regarding the maintenance of lifeboats and launching appliances are also targeted. The summit will also evaluate the adequacy of fire protection measures in vehicles, special category, and Ro-Ro spaces on ships carrying next-generation energy vehicles to reduce fire risk.
The Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire Protection (FP) working groups, previously established within the SSE, continue their technical work uninterrupted during the 12th session. In addition to these groups, a critical step is being taken to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels, in line with the strategic decisions made at the MSC 110 meeting. In this context, a new working group is being formed to develop interim guidelines for the safety of ships utilizing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Turkey continues to play a regulatory role in the transformation process of global shipping at this meeting. A meticulously prepared document by Turkey regarding the development of interim guidelines for the safety of ships using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) has been presented to the IMO. This important report, which includes comprehensive technical assessments for ships utilizing BESS, has been officially accepted by the International Maritime Organization and published for discussion at the meeting under the code SSE 12-17-3.
In this critical international meeting, Turkey is represented by a broad delegation of experts in the field. The discussions are attended by M. Türker Ekinci, Department Head from the General Directorate of Shipyards and Coastal Structures, Dr. Fırat Bolat, Lecturer at Istanbul Technical University, Aykut Yılmaz and Canberk Karahan from Turkish Lloyd, and Barbaros Onur, General Coordinator of Onursan, who are bringing the country's vision and technical contributions regarding maritime safety to the international arena.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
