Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 12) - Opening remarks

Good morning distinguished delegates. 

I am pleased to welcome you all to the twelfth session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment. 

As we open this session of the SSE SubCommittee, I must express my grave concern regarding the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the region of the Strait of Hormuz, which have resulted in at least seven fatalities and several injured seafarers, some of them gravely. 

As I have said on numerous occasions, any attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is unacceptable. These seafarers are simply carrying out their duties and performing an essential service to the global community, ensuring the continued flow of goods and energy, and they must be protected from the consequences of broader geopolitical tensions.  

All parties without exception, and I repeat, without exception, must respect the freedom of navigation, which is a fundamental principle of international maritime law. 

I continue to monitor the situation closely, and I reiterate my call for all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution when operating in the affected region. 

My thoughts are also with the many seafarers who remain at sea in areas of heightened risk, especially those who are directly impacted by the instability in and around the Strait of Hormuz. They continue to perform their duties under challenging and uncertain circumstances as tensions escalate. 

As I have emphasized publicly, I urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified, authoritative sources when making operational decisions. To support this, the Organization has made available a dedicated webpage where regularly updated and verified information on the evolving situation is published, ensuring that seafarers, companies, and administrations can access reliable information directly from IMO. 

I stand in solidarity with the injured seafarers, with the families of those who have lost loved ones, and with all crews who continue to keep global shipping moving under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Their safety and welfare remain my highest priority. 

Yesterday, 8 March, marked International Women’s Day, celebrated globally under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” This year, the United Nations is calling for action to dismantle the barriers that continue to stand in the way of equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls. 

In the maritime sector, we all have a role to play in breaking down institutional barriers that hinder - rather than enhance - diversity and inclusion. Recent evidence from the Women in Maritime Survey provides a clear picture of where we stand: it highlights the policies and measures already in place across the sector, while also identifying the critical gaps that remain and where further action is needed.  

From our side, at IMO, we are focusing on  recognizing the women in maritime who drive innovation, leadership, and positive change every day. 

The 2026 World Maritime Theme, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence" underscores the importance of translating regulatory ambition into effective implementation. The SSE SubCommittee’s work directly reinforces this ambition, ensuring that new safety standards can be implemented effectively and consistently across the fleet. 

The Sub-Committee’s agenda, as usual, is structured around two main pillars: Life-Saving Appliances and Fire Protection. 

On Life-Saving Appliances, the Sub-Committee will advance work on ventilation requirements for partially enclosed lifeboats, continue the goal-based revision of chapter III and the LSA Code, and address outstanding issues related to self-righting and canopied reversible life rafts for new ships. These discussions involve both technical and regulatory considerations, including testing provisions.  

On the Fire Protection agenda, the Sub-Committee is tasked with a comprehensive modernization of the 2010 FTP Code, which is essential for aligning IMO instruments with modern shipbuilding materials. Additionally, you will continue the work to improve SOLAS regulation II-2/9, transforming years of non-mandatory Unified Interpretations into clear, mandatory regulatory text regarding fire containment. 

One of your most urgent tasks is addressing the detection and control of fires on containerships and this session will progress towards finalization of amendments to SOLAS on portable infrared thermal imagers and on water mist lances and developing associated guidelines. You will also tackle the specific hazards posed by the carriage of New Energy Vehicles, including battery-electric vehicles, which present unique risks of thermal runaway and re-ignition. The Sub-Committee will consider proposals to enhance early fire detection and verification measures and assess effectiveness of existing fire suppression systems.  

Finally, we are initiating the development of a safety regulatory framework for GHG emissions reduction. With the number of battery-equipped ships expected to grow by 40% in the coming years and potentially reaching nearly 18% of the global fleet by 2050, the development of interim guidelines for ships using Battery Energy Storage Systems will provide a much-needed global framework, supporting safe implementation while the regulatory regime continues to mature. 

I am confident that under the capable leadership of your new Chair, Mr. Hironori Eguro, of Japan, supported by your experienced Vice-Chair, Mr. Cristiano Aliperta, of Palau, you will engage in constructive discussions and reach agreement on the matters before you.  

I invite you all to the welcome reception in the Delegates' Lounge after the close of today's business. 

Thank you. 

 ***