The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed on a draft programme of work to create safety rules for ships adopting emerging technologies and alternative fuels as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan was confirmed during the 12th meeting of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, which took place in London between 19 and 23 January, and will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee for endorsement in May.

The proposed framework will focus on updating and developing safety requirements for nuclear-powered vessels, wind propulsion and wind-assisted systems, as well as lithium-ion battery technologies and interchangeable battery containers used on ships under the Sub-Committee’s responsibility.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the agreement marked a significant milestone for the organisation, noting that regulatory progress must keep pace with the rapid technological changes driven by the IMO’s emissions-reduction agenda.

Following approval by the Maritime Safety Committee, the IMO will begin working towards a series of regulatory targets, including:

• introducing updated SOLAS provisions by 2028 to permit batteries to serve as primary onboard power sources
• developing temporary safety guidance for wind-powered and wind-assisted vessels in 2029
• updating the Nuclear Code and related SOLAS requirements by 2030

The Sub-Committee has also set up a Correspondence Group on GHG Safety tasked with gathering technical input on nuclear systems, wind propulsion and battery technologies, as well as drafting proposed SOLAS changes linked to battery use.

The group is expected to deliver its findings to the next Sub-Committee session in 2027.