Maritime Safety Committee finalises MASS Code and strengthens action on shadow fleet

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met in London from 18 to 22 May 2026 for their 111th session.

The most significant achievement of the meeting was the finalisation and adoption of a non-mandatory Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code). At first, implementing the MASS Code nationally is voluntary for IMO Member States, and the non-mandatory code will serve as the foundation for the development of a mandatory code at a later stage. The code creates a harmonised regulatory framework for the authorities approving maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). At forthcoming MSC meetings, Member States and other stakeholders will be urged to share practical experience of MASS ahead of the development and entry into force of the mandatory code.

The meeting also adopted amendments to the mandatory reporting system for ships passing through the Danish Straits. At present, providing proof of insurance is voluntary when passing through the straits, but under the new rules it will be mandatory to report insurance details at Danish ports. The amendment seeks to ensure that ships of the shadow fleet have adequate insurance, including cover for any oil spills.

The Committee approved updates to circulars providing recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships and the fumigation of cargo holds. The update ensures that lessons learned from incidents involving pesticides and fumigation are reflected in the recommendations. Finland contributed to the preparation of the work programme proposal.

The Committee did not approve a work programme proposal concerning the preparation of a non-mandatory code for floating nuclear power plants. Instead, it decided to await ongoing work within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assess floating nuclear power plants before taking a decision on the development of new non-mandatory codes for such plants.

What’s next?

The Maritime Safety Committee will meet again in December 2026.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications, together with the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, will assess the national implications of the MASS Code.

Inquiries:

Katja Viertävä, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 612, [email protected]