IMO Drafts Safety Framework for Advanced Ship Propulsion - battery, wind and nuclear ships
c: IMO
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finalized a draft safety workplan covering battery-powered, wind-assisted, and nuclear-powered ships.
This plan, developed at the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction's 12th session from January 19-23, 2026, outlines regulatory timelines and will go to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in May 2026.
Battery-Powered Ships
Amendments to the SOLAS Convention are targeted for adoption in 2028. These will permit lithium-ion batteries and swappable traction battery containers as primary electrical power and lighting sources on ships.
Wind-Assisted Ships
Interim safety guidelines for wind propulsion and wind-assisted systems are slated for approval in 2029. This addresses current regulatory gaps, boosting adoption by shipowners and insurers.
Nuclear-Powered Ships
A revised Nuclear Code and SOLAS updates are planned for adoption by 2030 at the earliest. Preparatory work via a correspondence group will continue through 2027 to support modern reactor technologies in commercial shipping
Updated Safety Framework
A draft IMO workplan from the January 2026 SDC 12 session covers battery (SOLAS amendments by 2028), wind-assisted (guidelines by 2029), and nuclear ships (revised code by 2030). URN considerations may influence designs for quieter propulsion in these technologies.
Underwater Radiated Noise
Revised IMO Guidelines (MEPC.1/Circ.906 Rev.1, effective December 2024) urge shipowners, designers, and operators to reduce URN via hull/propeller optimization, speed management, and maintenance plans. They promote measurement standards and quiet-sea-area operations but remain non-mandatory, with calls for data to support binding rules.