Dear Valued Partners,
Please be advised that the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has officially issued Regulatory Decrees Nos. 9076 and 9077, reflecting recent resolutions adopted during the 111th Session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
We kindly draw your immediate attention to the key operational highlights below:
- IMO Guidelines on Stowaway Prevention & Resolution (MSC Report No. 1/MSC.4/899 Rev):
- Establishes updated preventative security measures, mandatory pre-sailing vessel searches, and standardized procedures for reporting stowaways.
- Outlines clear responsibilities between Shipowners, Masters, Port Authorities, and Agencies for the safe disembarkation and repatriation of stowaways under international law.
- IMDG Code Amendment 43-26 (Dangerous Goods Regulations):
- Introduces updated classifications, UN numbers, and strict packaging/transport safety standards for Lithium and Sodium-ion batteries/vehicles.
- Revises stowage, segregation, and temperature-control requirements, alongside new standards for Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) packaging and gas pressure vessels.
- Timeline: Voluntary implementation begins January 1, 2027, becoming strictly mandatory on January 1, 2028.
Please find attached our comprehensive English Summary Report for your internal review and distribution to your vessel Masters, Operations, and Compliance departments.
We request all partner lines to ensure full compliance with these updated maritime safety standards.
Should you require any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.