Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 107) - opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL KITACK LIM AT THE OPENING OF MSC 107

(31 May to 9 June 2023)

Good morning, Madam Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates, and observers.

I am very pleased to welcome you to the 107th session of the Maritime Safety Committee.

As usual your Committee has very many important items on the agenda.

Your ongoing work on the development of regulations for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, MASS, has seen notable progress. As we work together to ensure the safe operations, recognising that, a significant number of regulatory challenges have to be overcome.

Yesterday's Symposium on ʺMaking headway on the IMO MASS Code", co-sponsored by IMO and the Republic of Korea, highlighted that automation in shipping and MASS technology is now developing fast. That means IMO, in line with its function as global regulator facilitating modern shipping, has to act fast, while ensuring that operations are safe.

I am aware that the envisaged timeline to complete the non-mandatory MASS Code is ambitious. I urge you to put in an extra effort to develop a goal-based MASS Code which will address the safety of autonomous ships and provide regulatory certainty for Administrations and industry.

In this regard, I would like to thank the MASS Correspondence Group which has made major progress by submitting a first draft of the Code.

I also appreciate the close cooperation of the MSC with the LEG and FAL Committees through the Joint MSC/LEG/FAL Working Group on MASS, which met last month.

Another important item on your agenda concerns fuel oil safety where you are working closely together with the MEPC. I would encourage you to progress measures related to oil fuel parameters other than flashpoint, to enhance the safety of ships.

This brings me to the role of your Committee in the future environmental sustainability of international shipping.

IMO's strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships must be implemented in a safe and sustainable manner. In this regard, you will consider a proposal for a new output to conduct a regulatory assessment to deliver a framework for the safe operation of new technologies and alternative fuels. It is my firm view that a close cooperation of the two Committees on these most important issues is imperative for further progress.

Concerning maritime security, I would like to highlight the increasing emphasis on working with international partners to deliver capacity development activities to maximise resources and ensure the widest possible impact; and the significant range of technical assistance offered by the Secretariat, including new Maritime Domain Awareness training. I urge all Member States and international organizations to consider donating to the International Maritime Security Trust Fund to support this important work.

You will be invited to consider an update on global trends relating to piracy and armed robbery against ships. I am pleased to report that the global number of incidents has generally continued to fall, with 131 incidents reported in 2022, compared to 172 incidents in 2021. This is in large part due to the highly commendable regional and international efforts to implement the Djibouti and Yaoundé Codes of Conduct and other important regional initiatives.   

While these are encouraging developments, we must remain vigilant. I am deeply concerned over recent incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, and it remains critical that international partners and industry continue to provide sustainable support to the important work of the regional navies and authorities within the Yaoundé Architecture, to protect seafarers in keeping with United Nations Security Council and MSC resolutions.

As many of you are aware, 11 October 2022 marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement, the key international treaty governing the safety of fishing vessels, thereby also supporting legal sustainable fishing and the communities dependent upon it, and care for the marine environment. 

Following recent accessions, including from New Zealand yesterday, as of today 21 Member States are parties to the Agreement, with an aggregated number of 2,686 fishing vessels. However, 22 States with 3,600 fishing vessels are needed for the entry into force of the Agreement.

I therefore urge Member States to sincerely consider accession in order to finally bring this instrument into force. The Secretariat stands ready to provide any technical and legal support needed to achieve this long-awaited milestone.

You will also consider the outcome of a number of your Sub-Committees.

With regard to the outcome of CCC 8, you are invited to approve another new set of safety provisions regarding ships using LPG fuels.

Another important item is the review of Guidelines for reducing underwater noise from commercial shipping to mitigate the negative impacts on marine life finalised by SDC 9.    

Regarding the outcome of SSE 9, you are invited to consider the finalization of a whole package of requirements for ventilation of totally enclosed lifeboats; the review of SOLAS chapter II-2 and associated codes to minimize the incidence and consequences of fires on ro-ro passenger ships; and the long overdue revision of the 2023 Diving Code.

You will also be required to give consideration to the submission from the NCSR Sub-Committee on the IMO position on relevant agenda items of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 concerning Maritime Services.

A key matter to consider at this session is the approval of the revised STCW-F Convention and the new associated Code, completed at HTW 9 after more than eight years of intense work, taking into account the unique nature of the fishing industry.

Another remarkable achievement is the completion of draft STCW training provisions to prevent, and respond to, bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and harassment, which you will also consider with a view to approval.

The key role of the human element in shipping must be reflected not only in the areas of work of the Organization aimed at ensuring the safety of life at sea and the prevention of marine casualties, but also in the establishment of attractive working conditions, including contracts and wages, as well as appropriate living conditions adapted to meet the special needs of seafarers who must live and work on board ships for significant periods of time.

These elements characterize a modern work environment and can largely be achieved by bringing ILO's Maritime Labour Convention to the level of ratification and implementation of IMO instruments and I therefore encourage Member States that have not yet done so, to consider ratifying this important ILO convention.

Distinguished delegates,

I wish you good progress with your heavy workload. I am confident of your good progress under the capable leadership of your seasoned Chair, Mrs. Medina of the United States, ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Capt. Mozas of Greece, and the staff of the Secretariat.

My best wishes to you all for another productive session.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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