Lloyd’s Register (LR) has provided the key outcomes of the 11th session of IMO’S Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) which took place 8 – 12 September 2025.
The Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) deals with the carriage of packaged dangerous goods, solid bulk cargoes, bulk gas cargoes, and containers. The Sub-Committee keeps updated the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. It also keeps under review other Codes including the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).
Key outcomes
According to LR, key outcomes from CCC 11 were:
Alternative Fuels
- Draft Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel
These goal-based draft guidelines, which are aligned with the IGF Code, have been finalised and are expected to be approved at MSC 111 (May 2026). They provide further specific provisions for the arrangement, installation, control and monitoring of machinery, equipment and systems that use hydrogen as a fuel with the goal of minimising the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment.
- Draft Interim guidelines for use of anhydrous ammonia cargo as fuel#2
These draft guidelines have been finalised and are expected to be approved at MSC 111. They are goal-based and will provide a supplement to the existing mandatory provisions of chapter 16 – Use of Cargo as Fuel of the IGC Code, permitting ammonia cargo to be used as fuel on gas carriers.
- Draft revision of the Interim guidelines for safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621)
Due to time constraints, further development of these guidelines did not take place, however it is expected that the revision will begin before the next meeting and be completed by 2027. The associated mandatory amendments to the IGF Code are expected to be concluded by 2027 with an estimated date of entry into force in 2028.
- Updated Work Plan for the Development of New Alternative Fuels Under the IGF Code
To support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships through new technologies and alternative fuels, a work plan was developed which includes the expected publication date for several alternative fuel and technologies guidelines.
Other outcomes
- Development of measures to prevent the loss of containers at sea
A holistic work plan was finalised to address container losses. The IMO will focus on developing regulatory solutions to five main areas of effect with amendments to several instruments (SOLAS, CSS Code, CSC Code, related circulars, etc.):
- Operational guidance and limitations;
- Conditions at sea;
- Loading, stowage, validation and planning;
- Calculation technical standards, container securing gear properties, and related inspection programmes; and
- Strength properties for container properties and related inspection programmes.
Draft revision of the Revised guidelines for the preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual (MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2)
The amendments to the guidelines to allow the use of lashing software in support of the preparation of the CSM were further progressed and are expected to be finalised by CCC 12. Outstanding work includes further discussion on means of standardisation of calculation framework and performance tests requirements.
Draft revision of the Revised Interim recommendations for carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk (MSC.565(108))
The draft revision of the interim recommendations was completed. A new part D was developed to include safety requirements specific to membrane-type cargo containment systems with insulation spaces under vacuum. MSC 111 is expected to adopt the amendments.
