Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111): Key outcomes on autonomous ships, GHG safety and situation in the Strait of Hormuz

The 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111), held in London from 13 to 22 May 2026 under the chairmanship of Mr. Theofilos Mozas, marked a pivotal shift in global maritime governance. The committee successfully advanced the first global code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), addressing critical safety frameworks for unmanned vessels. Furthermore, delegates deliberated on urgent GHG safety protocols and evaluated the escalating security risks impacting commercial shipping transit through the volatile Strait of Hormuz.

These developments necessitate rigorous updates to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), particularly regarding Chapter V on navigation safety and Chapter II-1 concerning ship construction. Compliance departments must now align vessel operations with emerging MASS standards, which integrate automated decision-making systems into existing safety management protocols. As the industry transitions toward decarbonization, the alignment of new GHG safety measures with MARPOL Annex VI requirements becomes essential for ensuring that alternative fuel storage and bunkering procedures meet stringent international classification society safety mandates.

Navigating officers and masters must prepare for significant changes in bridge resource management as autonomous systems become integrated into daily operations. These professionals should prioritize familiarization with new digital interface protocols and emergency override procedures mandated by the updated code. Staying informed on these regulatory shifts is vital for maintaining operational compliance and ensuring safety during transit in high-risk zones like the Strait of Hormuz, where automated reporting requirements may soon become standard practice for all merchant vessels.