IMO held the 12th session of the SDC from 19th January to 23rd 2026 at IMO Headquarters in London. SDC 12 meeting highlights are as follows:

1. To promote the consistent implementation of safe return to port (SRtP)requirements and related circulars, SDC 12 had agreed to the revision of the explanatory notes for passenger ships’ SRtP concept and incorporate existing practical experience.
SDC 12 had agreed to the new draft of the revision of the Explanatory Notes for “safe return to port (SRtP)” and “Orderly Evacuation and Abandonment (OEA) and related circulars, and be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 111th session (May 2026) for approval. 
Since the SOLAS SRtP regulations entered into force in 2010, which have profoundly impacted the design, testing, and operation of passenger ships. However, the industry has widely encountered difficulties in practical implementation.
The original Explanatory Notes (circular MSC.1/Circ.1369), issued in 2010, aimed to assist flag State Administrations in uniformly applying the SRtP requirements, providing operational guidance specifically for compliance verification and approval procedures. Nevertheless, following 16 years of practical application, inconsistencies in enforcement persist. The interpretation of various provisions and specific applicability details necessitates further clarification, which has consequently prompted the current revision process.
The scope of application of the draft amendment to this explanatory note has been further expanded by Circular MSC.1/Circ.1369, which covers the entire life cycle of passenger ships, including design, verification, testing, and operational aspects. Including the following:

(1) aspects to be addressed in the pre-contract/early project phase; 
(2) design requirements and acceptance criteria for all SRtP and OEA systems 
(3) SRtP assessment process; 
(4) tests and trials; 
(5) documentation, verification and approval; 
(6) on-board documentation for SRtP and OEA; 
(7) high-level operational aspects.

The new draft of the revised guidance will apply to ships:

(1) for which the building contract is placed on or after 1st January 2028, or
(2) in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1st July 2028, or
(3) the delivery of which is on or after 1st January 2032.

The draft revision of the Explanatory Notes will be submitted to MSC 111 (May 2026) for approval.
SDC 12 had also agreed to make the draft amendments to the explanatory note available to the 13th session of the Sub-Committee on Human Factors, Training and Duty (HTW 13) and the 12th session of the Sub-Committee on the Implementation of Instruments of the International Maritime Organization (III 12) for review on whether existing instruments within their respective mandates need to be revised accordingly. To support the implementation of the new explanatory notes.

2. Finalized the draft Guidelines on the Use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) for 2011 ESP Code Surveys. 
Remote inspection techniques (RIT) refer to real-time sensing devices carried by drones, remote-operated vehicles, unmanned robotic arms, divers, and climbers – they are increasingly useful tools for supporting an attending surveyor on-site when conducting inspections.
In June 2025, MSC 110 approved draft amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code) that permit the use of RIT during close-up surveys of existing oil tankers and bulk carriers. Subsequently, SDC 12 agreed to the draft Guidelines on the Use of Remote Inspection Techniques, which were submitted to MSC 111 for approval.
These guidelines will be adopted in conjunction with the relevant draft amendments to 2011 ESP Code, to facilitate the deployment of RIT within ESP Code surveys. 
The guidelines provide instructions for the safe use of remote inspection tools, such as drones or robotic devices, to assist surveyors during statutory surveys in examining hull structures that are inaccessible or present a high risk of entry; such surveys are executed in accordance with ESP Code requirements. Furthermore, they elaborate on the application of RIT in ESP Code surveys, including requirements for thickness measurement capabilities, as well as operational guidance for surveyors, shipboard personnel, RIT service suppliers, and RIT equipment manufacturers. Concurrently, the guidelines encompass the onshore and onboard verification of RIT equipment capabilities, equipment certification, and the training requirements for RIT companies and surveyors.

3. Started the Development of Engine Control Room Alert Management (ECRAM) performance standards 
SDC 12 had agreed to develop a work plan roadmap for the Performance Standards for Engine Control Room Alert Management, establishing it as a standalone instrument separate from the Bridge Alert Management standards (Resolution MSC.302(87)). These performance standards will define the design and maintenance requirements for various alert systems in a ship's Engine Control Room (ECR) to ensure safe operations under both normal and emergency conditions.
This work plan roadmap projects the finalization of the draft at SDC 14, with subsequent submission to MSC 114 for consideration and adoption in 2028. Furthermore, a correspondence group has been established to continuously advance the relevant technical and drafting work between the two sessions of meetings, with the finalization of the report by 2028.

4. Finalized the Revision of the Interim guidelines for the use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures (circular MSC.1/Circ.1574)
SDC 12 had agreed the draft amendments to the Guidelines for the use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures: Fire Safety Issues (circular MSC.1/Circ.1574), and will be submitted to MSC 111 for approval.
The FRP Guidelines provide technical guidance to ship designers and builders on the safe application of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) in ship structures, with particular emphasis on managing fire safety risks associated with FRP materials. Furthermore, these guidelines assist Flag State Administrations in consistently conducting fire safety testing and evaluations related to FRP materials under the "Alternative Design and Arrangements" framework, in accordance with the requirements of the SOLAS Convention.
The current draft amendments incorporate practical experience gained from fire safety evaluations in alternative design scenarios and systematically encompass the primary fire safety elements of FRP materials. These include the ignition potential of FRP materials, fire growth potential, fire-extinguishing strategies and equipment arrangements, and the thermal insulation required to protect FRP materials and the subsequent maintenance and management.
5. A safety regulatory framework development work plan has been established in order to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels
MSC has reviewed, from a safety regulatory perspective, potential alternative fuels and emerging technologies available for reducing ship GHG emissions, and has identified safety barriers, institutional disparities, and regulatory gaps within existing IMO instruments that may hinder their application. The Committee has assigned recommendations aimed at facilitating their safe application to the relevant sub-committees for further advancement.
In accordance with the recommendations of MSC 110, SDC 12 conducted deliberations and finalized a work plan to develop a safety regulatory framework supporting the adoption of emerging technologies and alternative fuels by ships for GHG emission reduction, work which falls under the purview of the SDC Sub-Committee. This work plan will be submitted to MSC 111 for consideration and approval.

The work plan had included some key milestones:

I. 2026: MSC 111 may endorse the workplan developed at SDC 12. 

II. 2027:

①. Finalization of amendments to SOLAS Chap II-1 (construction-fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction) regulation 41 (Note 1) to allow for batteries to be used as the main source of electrical power and lighting systems.  

②. Approval of amendments to SOLAS Chap II-1/regulation 41 to allow for batteries to be used as the main source of electrical power.

III. 2028:

①. SDC 14 to decide on whether to develop a unified interpretation, or guidelines, on installation requirements for a safety approval plate in battery containers, and, referring to SP389 (Note 2), storage and safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries in a swappable container. 

②. MSC 114 to adopt the amendment to SOLAS Chapter II-1 regulation 41: to allow batteries to be used as the main power source and power source for lighting systems. 

IV. 2029:

①. SDC 15 will finalize the Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using wind propulsion and wind assisted power;

②. MSC 116 to approve of Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using wind propulsion and wind-assisted power.

V. 2030：

①. SDC 16 will finalize the revised Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, (Nuclear Code) and amendments to SOLAS chapter VIII;

②. MSC 117 to approve the amendments to SOLAS chapter VIII;

③. MSC 118 to adopt the revised Nuclear Code and amendments to SOLAS chapter VIII.

A Correspondence Group (SDC Correspondence Group on GHG Safety) was established to further develop regulations for the GHG Safety framework at SDC 12. It will be responsible for compiling and analyzing information on nuclear and wind power, as well as developing draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/41to allow batteries to be used as the main source of electrical power and lighting systems. The Correspondence Group will need to submit a written report to the next meeting, SDC 13.

Note 1: Regulation 41 regulates the "Main Source of Electrical Power Lighting Systems" applicable to ships such as passenger ships and cargo ships.
Note 2: SP389 refers to Special Provision 389 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. It is applicable to large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) transported under the designation UN 3536 (Lithium Ion Batteries Installed in Cargo Transport Unit). 
The primary regulatory requirement stipulates that lithium batteries or lithium battery modules must be securely fastened to racks or within cabinets to prevent any movement during transport. 
(Derived from UNECE, 2025, UN Model Regulations Rev. 24. https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods/un-model-regulations-rev-24)

References:
1. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), News Brief: SDC 12. https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D561FAQEmh8R-mr_WpQ/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/B56Zv8855OIsAY-/0/1769475384451?e=1771459200&v=beta&t=SspMQzpEk3WWgMcfPYsP-McL6CV5tQTFryHKqFiVMPA 
2. Det Norske Veritas (DNV), IMO Sub-Committee on ship design and construction (SDC 12). https://www.dnv.com/news/2026/imo-sub-committee-on-ship-design-and-construction-sdc-12/ 
3. IMO, Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12), 19-23 February 2026. https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/meetingsummaries/pages/sdc-12.aspx 
4. InterManager, Summary report on IMO Sub-Committee meeting SDC 12. https://www.intermanager.org/2026/01/fw-imo-meeting-sdc-12-19-23-january-2026-168502/ 
5. Lloyd's Register (LR), SDC 12 Summary Report. https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/regulatory-updates/imo-meetings-and-future-legislation/sdc-12-summary-report/