Addressing the opening of the twelfth session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 12), IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued a stern condemnation of recent maritime violence while outlining a rigorous technical agenda focused on fire safety, new energy vehicles, and gender equality.
The Secretary-General opened the session by expressing “grave concern” following recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Highlighting the human cost—at least seven fatalities and numerous injuries—Mr. Dominguez underscored that innocent seafarers must not become pawns in geopolitical tensions.
“Any attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is unacceptable,” Mr. Dominguez stated. “All parties without exception must respect the freedom of navigation, which is a fundamental principle of international maritime law.”
The IMO has launched a dedicated webpage to provide verified, authoritative information to help shipping companies and administrations navigate the escalating risks in the region.
Under the leadership of the new Chair, Mr. Hironori Eguro (Japan), the Sub-Committee is set to tackle a dense agenda focused on two primary pillars: Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire Protection. Key priorities include:
-
Containership Fire Safety: Progressing amendments to SOLAS regarding portable infrared thermal imagers and water mist lances to detect and control fires.
-
New Energy Vehicles (NEVs): Addressing the unique risks of “thermal runaway” and re-ignition posed by battery-electric vehicles during transport.
-
Future-Proofing Regulations: Initiating a safety framework for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, specifically targeting Battery Energy Storage Systems as the battery-equipped fleet is projected to grow significantly by 2050.
-
Modernizing the FTP Code: Aligning fire test procedures with modern shipbuilding materials and transforming non-mandatory interpretations into mandatory regulatory text.
Coinciding with the recent celebration of International Women’s Day, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to dismantle institutional barriers in the maritime sector. He cited the Women in Maritime Survey as a roadmap for identifying critical gaps in diversity and inclusion.
Looking ahead, Mr. Dominguez linked the Sub-Committee’s technical work to the 2026-2027 World Maritime Theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” He noted that the SSE’s work is the engine that translates high-level regulatory ambition into the tangible safety standards that protect the global fleet.
