The IMO Sub- Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment, 9th Session (SSE 9), is taking place this week with a view to focus on measures to prevent fires on RoRo ships and the reviewal of SOLAS chapter II-2, among others.
In general, the SSE deals with a wide range of technical and operational matters related to systems and equipment on all types of ships, vessels, craft and mobile units covered by IMO instruments. This includes life-saving equipment, appliances and arrangements; and fire detection and fire extinguishing systems.
During his opening speech, Mr. Kitack Lim, IMO Sec-Gen reminded that industry must ensure that ships are safe with suitable systems and equipment, including life-saving appliances and fire-fighting equipment.
I am hopeful that the review of SOLAS chapter II-2 and associated codes to minimize the incidence and consequences of fires on board ro-ro passenger ship fires will be finalized at this session. While I understand that some challenges remain for which solutions need to be found, I am confident that these issues can be solved so that the relevant amendments can enter into force in a timely manner.
The Sub-Committee progressed its work on minimizing the incidence and consequences of fires on ro-ro passenger ships, following a number of recent serious accidents. The session focused on the further development of draft amendments to the SOLAS Convention and associated codes, to enhance fire prevention, detection and extinction on these types of ships. The aim now is to finalize the draft amendments to the SOLAS Convention and the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code and a correspondence group will progress the work intersessionally.
With regards to safe operation of onshore power supply, SSE 8 had reviewed submissions relating to the development of draft interim guidelines on safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages. It invited relevant submissions to SSE 9 with a view to finalization of the draft guidelines at that session.
Mr. Kitack Lim also highlighted the power of collaboration among all industry stakeholders to ensure enhanced safety at sea while he referred to the impact of Russia’s invasion to Ukraine for the maritime community:
As we marked one year since the beginning of the military conflict in Ukraine, we would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims of the conflict, and we strongly wish this situation to be resolved peacefully as soon as possible. We remain deeply concerned about the ships and most importantly the seafarers that remain stranded in Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov since 24 February 2022.
IMO Sec- Gen added that in the last 12 months, IMO has made immense efforts and provided extensive support towards the Black Sea Grain Initiative.