IMO CCC 12: Revised guidelines for methanol as fuel

The 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12) was held from 14 to 18 September 2026. CCC 12 finalized the revision of the interim guidelines for the use of methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel, and added a harmonized performance standard for lashing software to supplement the Cargo Securing Manual. Work continued on guidelines for low-flashpoint oil fuels and onboard carbon capture and storage systems.

Information for: Ship owners and managers, fuel and cargo tank manufacturers, and yards.

NEED TO KNOW

  
  • Finalized the revision of the the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel.
  • Added a harmonized performance standard for lashing software to supplement the Cargo Securing Manual.
  • Commenced work on guidelines for the safety of ships fitted with onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems.
  • Discussed cargo carriage provisions for batteries.

 

Amendments to the IGF Code and development of guidelines for alternative fuels and related technologies

Methyl/ethyl alcohols

CCC 12 finalized the revision of the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621). The amendments revise all sections of the existing guidelines, taking into account experience gained to date.
The revised guidelines

  • provide more flexibility in fuel tank placement and leakage-handling arrangements;
  • introduce a new concept for ventilation of fuel spaces;
  • expand guidance on the design of bunkering stations and fire extinguishing; and
  • add new guidance on bunkering operations and personal protective equipment.

Low-flashpoint oil fuels

CCC 12 continued work on the interim guidelines for ships using low-flashpoint oil fuels (fuel with a flashpoint between 52°C and 60°C). It was agreed not to develop detailed provisions for the “temperature-controlled engine room concept” but focus on a safety concept more aligned with the existing guidelines under the IGF code, however with major simplifications of the safety barriers. Work on the interim guidelines will continue in a Correspondence Group aiming for finalization at CCC 13 in 2027.  

Fuel cell power installations and IGF Code amendments

The revision of the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Fuel Cell Power Installations (MSC.1/Circ.1647), and other proposals for amendments to the IGF Code were not discussed in detail, but work will continue in a Correspondence Group reporting to CCC 13 in 2027.  

Development of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels

Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS)

CCC 12 started the discussion to develop guidelines for the safety of ships fitted with OCCS. The guidelines should contain a technology-neutral main body for common ship-level requirements, while technology-specific safety requirements will be placed in individual annexes. Work on the guidelines will continue in a Correspondence Group reporting to CCC 13 in 2027. The guidelines are expected to be finalized in 2028.

Amendments to the IMSBC Code and supplements

CCC 12 discussed the development of a database for solid bulk cargoes that are not listed in the IMSBC Code but are shipped based on provisional assessments. It invited authorities to submit data on these cargoes for inclusion in the database.

CCC 12 also discussed a proposal to prohibit the transport of plastic pellets in bulk cargo, and concluded that the IMSBC Code is not the appropriate instrument for banning the transport of plastic pellets in bulk.

The following topics were agreed in principle and forwarded to E&T 45 for further discussion and inclusion in amendment 09-27 of the IMSBC Code:

  • New individual cargo schedules for “lime mud”, “untreated incinerator bottom ash”, “soil, contaminated with any/or a combination of hydrocarbons, pfas, asbestos and heavy metals”, “tabular alumina”, “direct shipping ore spodumene”, and “seed cake” (reinstatement of a group C schedule)
  • Updates to Section 4.2 of the IMSBC Code regarding the cargo information form to be provided by the shipper

The 09-27 amendment to the IMSBC Code is expected to be adopted by MSC 113 in 2027.

The following topics were discussed and forwarded to E&T 45 for further discussion and to provide advice to CCC 13:

  • Carriage of bituminous granulates fines and TML determination for cargoes for which no proper test method exists
  • Carriage of “ulexite”, “diatomite”, “polymetallic nodules”, “amorphous graphite” and “amorphous graphite fines”
  • Introduction of a bulk cargo number for each bulk cargo shipping name
  • Guidance on “continuous ventilation” requirements under the IMSBC Code

Amendments to the IMDG Code and supplements

The following topics were agreed in principle and forwarded to E&T 46, to be held in spring 2027, for further discussion and inclusion in amendment 44-28 of the IMDG Code:

  • Improvements to special provision SP188 whereby multiple individually exempt battery packages loaded within the same cargo transport unit (CTU) are not subject to any hazard communication or CTU-level quantity threshold

Amendment 44-28 to the IMDG Code is expected to be adopted in 2028.

The following topics were discussed and forwarded to E&T 46 for consideration and to provide advice to CCC 13:

  • Amendments to paragraph 5.4.1.4.3.8 of the IMDG Code regarding sodium ion batteries under SP376 or SP377
  • Amendments to paragraph 7.3.7.2 of the IMDG Code expanding the scope regarding packages assembled in a cargo transport unit that shall not create an explosion hazard

Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual to include a harmonized performance standard for lashing software

CCC 12 finalized the revision of the Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual (MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2), adding a harmonized performance standard for lashing software to supplement the Cargo Securing Manual. Although the revised guidelines and the Interim Performance Standards for Lashing Software were originally intended mainly for new ships, CCC 12 included provisions allowing for application to existing ships on a voluntary basis, subject to approval by the flag administration.

CCC 12 also prepared a justification for expanding and extending the output to add a new annex to the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) with a method for assessing the efficiency of securing arrangements for containers on containerships. CCC 12 will forward the justification to MSC 113 for decision-making.

Recommendations

DNV recommends that customers note the finalized revised Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel, and the harmonized performance standard for lashing software added to supplement the Cargo Securing Manual.

As CCC is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).