Executive Summary

The eighth session of the IMO Sub-committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 8) was held from 14 to 23 of September 2022. It was the first meeting held in person at IMO since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Hybrid meeting capabilities were used, as part of a one-year trial period.

CCC 8 discussed the following key topics, which will impact the industry in the short-term. Further details can be found in the Report hereafter.

Safety of ships using alternative fuels

• Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using LPG fuels approved, for adoption at MSC 107 (June 2023).
• Work progressed on the development of:
  • Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as a fuel;
  • Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as a fuel.
• Discussion initiated on the development of interim guidelines for the use of oil fuels with a flashpoint between 52°C and 60°C.

CCC 8 also progressed work on the following matters

• Amendments to IMSBC Code agreed (version 07-23), for adoption at MSC 106 (November 2022) (item 5)
• Amendments to the Grain Code agreed, for adoption at MSC 107 (June 2023) and expected entry into force 1 January 2026 (item 7)
• Series of amendments to the IGF Code and IGC Code approved, and less urgent draft amendments for consideration at CCC 9. Consolidated edition of the IGC Code expected for consideration at CCC 9, with a view to adoption at MSC 109 and entry into force 1 July 2028 (items 3 and 10)
• Unified Interpretations to IGC and IGF Codes agreed, to be circulated as MSC Circulars (item 12)
• Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V agreed to include mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea (item 11)
• No action taken on Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships (A.1050(27)) (item 8) as MSC 106 might approve a similar new output on its agenda
• Draft amendments (42-24) to the IMDG Code to be reviewed by Editorial and Technical group 38 (2023) for adoption at CCC 9 (item 6)