Maritime Legal Update
– June 2026
IMO MSC 111 – maritime
safety, MASS Code and new IMO regulatory developments
(prepared by Marek Czernis & Co. Law
Office)
Firm note – IMO,
maritime safety and regulatory compliance
The Law Office actively advises shipowners,
operators, shipyards, offshore stakeholders and financial institutions
regarding: IMO regulatory compliance, SOLAS, ISM, ISPS and MARPOL, MASS –
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, alternative fuels and IGF Code, Port State
Control, contractual risk allocation, and implementation of IMO instruments.
The 111th session of the Maritime Safety
Committee (MSC 111) represents one of the most significant current IMO
regulatory developments for the shipping industry.
1. Introduction – MSC
111
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) met in
London from 13–22 May 2026 MSC remains the principal IMO body responsible for: maritime
safety, technical regulation, cyber security, autonomous shipping, maritime
security, and implementation of IMO safety instruments.
2. MASS Code –
autonomous ships
One of the key agenda items was adoption of the
non-mandatory MASS Code concerning Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
(MASS).
The draft MASS Code addresses: remote
operations, connectivity, software principles, alert management, safety of
navigation, fire protection, cargo operations, machinery and electrical
systems, and cyber-enabled ship systems.
IMO emphasized that the MASS Code is intended
to supplement existing IMO instruments, particularly SOLAS.
3. Strait of Hormuz –
maritime security
MSC 111 also extensively discussed the security
situation in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz
region.
The discussions covered: protection of
navigation freedoms, safe corridor arrangements, seafarer safety, and
operational guidance for vessels operating in high-risk areas.
IMO also prepared draft guidance regarding
training and certification of seafarers affected by the regional security
situation.
4. VDES and maritime
digitalization
MSC 111 considered amendments to SOLAS Chapters
IV and V allowing the implementation of VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) as an
extension and alternative to AIS functionality.
The new framework also addresses: dissemination
of maritime safety information, GMDSS modernization, search and rescue
communications, and maritime digitalization.
5. Remote Inspection
Techniques (RIT)
MSC 111 further considered Guidelines on the
use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) within the framework of the Enhanced
Programme of Inspections (ESP Code).
The initiative aims to facilitate: wider use of
remote surveys, inspections supported by drones and digital systems, and
advanced survey compliance procedures.
6. Alternative fuels
and safety regulation
IMO also continued work regarding: hydrogen as
fuel, ammonia as fuel, methanol and ethanol fuel systems, and IGF Code
developments.
These developments are considered fundamental
for shipping decarbonisation and the safe use of alternative fuels.
7. Practical
implications for shipowners and operators
MSC 111 demonstrates further acceleration of: maritime
digitalization, autonomous shipping regulation, cyber and operational
compliance, alternative fuel regulation, and risk-based maritime safety
governance.
Operationally, increasing emphasis is being
placed on: compliance management systems, cyber resilience, electronic
verification, remote inspections, and integrated operational risk management.
8. Law Office
conclusions
MSC 111 confirms that IMO is accelerating the
development of a comprehensive safety framework for modern shipping.
The coming years are expected to bring: further
digitalization of regulation, expansion of MASS regulation, wider
implementation of remote inspection procedures, increased cyber compliance
obligations, and stricter operational safety standards.
The Law Office continues to support clients
regarding: IMO compliance, MASS and autonomous shipping, alternative fuels, charterparty
and shipbuilding risk allocation, PSC and detention matters, and maritime
regulatory implementation.
Final note – our
publications
Further insights regarding maritime law, IMO,
offshore and shipping compliance are available at:
https://czernis.pl
https://www.linkedin.com/company/czernis