IMO Secretary-General Highlights Key Safety and Environmental Milestones at SDC 12 Closing
London— The twelfth session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12), held from 19 to 23 January 2026, concluded with significant progress on ship safety, environmental protection, and regulatory modernization, according to the address delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez.
A major outcome of SDC 12 was the finalization of the Guidelines for the Use of Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP) within Ship Structures, building on experience gained under the Interim FRP Guidelines. The development marks a key step toward integrating advanced materials into ship construction while maintaining safety standards.
The Sub-Committee also advanced work under the Experience Building Phase (EBP) on Underwater Radiated Noise (URN), supporting IMO’s broader objective of reducing the environmental footprint of shipping, particularly its impact on vulnerable marine species. Delegates agreed to a two-year extension of the EBP, subject to approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
Further strengthening survey and inspection practices, SDC 12 finalized the draft Guidelines on the Use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) for Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) surveys. The guidelines aim to improve efficiency and safety through modern inspection technologies, while ensuring strict standards for data quality and oversight.
Additional achievements included the completion of draft amendments to the MSC resolution on means of access for inspections, and the finalization of draft Explanatory Notes for Safe Return to Port and Orderly Evacuation and Abandonment following fire or flooding casualties. These instruments are intended to support consistent implementation of SOLAS requirements and enhance passenger ship safety.
A key strategic milestone was the completion of the work plan for developing a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels. The initiative ensures that safety regulations evolve in parallel with technological advances driven by IMO’s GHG Strategy.
The Secretary-General commended Chair Mr. Erik Tvedt (Denmark) and Vice Chair Mr. Charles Rawson (United States) for their leadership throughout the session, noting that SDC 12 marked Mr. Rawson’s final session as Vice Chair. Mr. Tvedt was congratulated on his re-election and is set to chair SDC 13 next year.
Recognition was also extended to the Chairs of the working, expert, and drafting groups: Ms. Therese Bornemann-Christensen (Denmark), Mr. Alexander Dierichs (Germany), Mr. Sifis Papageorgiou (Norway), Mr. Charles Rawson (United States), and Ms. Marie-Lucie Susini (Belgium).
The closing address acknowledged delegates and IMO staff concluding their service, including the retirement of Captain Adriano Pires da Cruz, Alternate Permanent Representative of Brazil, and long-serving IMO staff members Ms. Maria Nelia Adams and Mr. Antonio Paoletti of the Conference Division.
Special tribute was paid to Mr. Antonio Paoletti, who will formally retire at the end of January 2026 after 34 years of continuous service to IMO. Having joined the Organization in 1991, Mr. Paoletti progressed through multiple roles within Conference Services, ultimately serving as Acting Head of the Meetings Support Section. His contributions were highlighted in areas including conference modernization, the transition to hybrid meetings, and continuity of services during the COVID-19 period, and the effective delivery of IMO’s multilingual mandate.
The Secretary-General concluded by expressing appreciation to the IMO Secretariat, the Maritime Safety Division, and interpreters for their professionalism and support in ensuring the effective conduct of SDC 12.
