Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 11) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 11TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON SHIP DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (SDC 11), 13 to 17 January 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 17 January, 2025

Distinguished delegates,

We are approaching the end of a successful eleventh session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction.

In the interest of time, I will only highlight some of the important achievements this week: the finalization of the review of the 2009 Code on Alerts and Indicators, which will be submitted to A 34 for adoption, after approval by MEPC 83 and MSC 110. 

The finalization of amendments to the 2011 ESP Code for the introduction of provisions on the use of Remote Inspection Techniques. This represents an important step in ensuring that the Code remains up to date with the technology that can make a difference in the efficiency and safety of ship structural surveys. 

Furthermore, work has been completed on:

• the interim guidelines for emergency towing of ships other than tankers; 
• amendments to the IP Code; 
• revised guidelines on of means of embarkation and disembarkation concerning the rigging of safety netting on accommodation ladders and gangways; and
• amendments to the 1988 Load Line Protocol regarding the requirement for setting of guard rails on the deck structure.

You have also dedicated time for in-depth consideration of the agenda item on Underwater Radiated Noise. With the Experience Building Phase now half-way, it is important to step-up the work on URN. 

I commend the Sub-Committee for its role in advancing the Organization’s mission, as it seeks to develop goal-based regulations and guidance instruments, so as to meet one of the primary mission of the Organization: to develop the highest practicable standards of maritime safety, while also fulfilling the needs and expectations of a fast-changing industry that desires the Organization to develop regulations that provide for flexibility in design. 

All of this has been achieved under the able leadership and good humour of your Chair, Mr. Erik Tvedt of Denmark, whose skills have successfully guided us all through your constructive interventions and relevant technical comments.

I would like to once again welcome the new Vice Chair (Mr. Charles Rawson), as part of the team and look forward to working with you.

I also wish to express my sincere thanks to the Chairs of the working, experts and drafting groups we had at this session, for their hard work:

• Mr. Charles Rawson (USA); 
• Mr. Koichi Yoshida (Japan); 
• Mr. Richard Beckett (IACS),
• Mr. Sifis Papageorgiou (Norway); and
• Mr. Susumu Ota (Japan). 

I would like to extend my appreciations to the coordinators of the correspondence groups for their commitment, good-will and cooperation to progress the Sub-Committee's work over the past year and, most importantly, to achieve consensus decisions at this session.

My appreciation also goes to the dedicated staff in the Maritime Safety Division, whose dedication and great efforts have been so crucial to the preparation of this meeting and also to all of the dedicated staff of the Secretariat, who worked tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. 

As usual, thanks also go to the interpreters, who greatly facilitated our communication.

In closing, I wish you all an enjoyable and very well-deserved weekend and a safe journey home.

Thank you.