In a pivotal moment for the maritime industry, the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 10) commenced its tenth session on January 22, 2024, with an emphasis on safety and security. The opening remarks, delivered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, set the tone for discussions during this crucial meeting.
Dominguez began by acknowledging the vital role of SDC in shaping IMO regulations to ensure the safety of ships through meticulous designs and constructions, highlighting the significance of structural safety and stability. In a somber note, he addressed the concerning situation in the Red Sea, condemning attacks against international shipping and urging the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.
The Secretary-General reiterated three key messages: prioritizing the safety of seafarers, upholding the principle of freedom of navigation for safe trade, and calling for de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea.
This year’s World Maritime theme, “Navigating the future: safety first!”, underscores the commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards amidst technological advancements and emerging threats. The Sub-Committee faces several crucial matters, with a spotlight on implementing the Revised guidelines for reducing underwater radiated noise from ships. These guidelines aim to minimize the impact of ship noise on the marine environment and indigenous communities while contributing to the development of energy-efficient ships.
Dominguez emphasized the need for an Action Plan to ensure the effective application of the Revised Guidelines, targeting both underwater-radiated noise reduction and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Additionally, the Secretary-General applauded the completion of the Interim guidelines on the second generation intact stability criteria, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in assessing modern ship designs’ ability to withstand sea forces.
Addressing the delegates, Dominguez expressed confidence in their ability to navigate challenges under the leadership of Chair Erik Tvedt of Denmark and Vice-Chair Jaideep Sirkar of the United States.
This session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction promises to be instrumental in shaping the future of maritime safety and design standards.
