MSC106 requires flashpoint on bunker delivery note

MSC 106 adopted amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulations 3 and 4, effective from 1 January 2026, relating to low-flashpoint fuels. The amendments require new and existing ships carrying oil fuel to be provided with a bunker delivery note, prior to bunkering, stating that the flashpoint of the actual fuel batch is in conformity with the flashpoint requirements of SOLAS.

DNV reports that the amendments further request contracting governments to inform the IMO of cases where oil fuel suppliers have delivered fuels that do not meet the SOLAS flashpoint requirements, and to take appropriate action against oil fuel suppliers accordingly.

In response to the investigative findings after the sinking of the Stellar Daisy, MSC 106 adopted amendments to the 2011 ESP Code for bulkers and tankers that will enter into force on 1 July 2024. For bulkers, ballast tanks are to be examined annually if the protective coating condition is found to be “less than GOOD”. Double-skin void spaces bounding cargo holds in bulk carriers exceeding 20 years of age and 150 metres in length are to be examined annually if the protective coating is found to be “POOR”. There are also new requirements to the annual survey of double-skin void spaces for bulk carriers exceeding 20 years of age and 150 metres in length.

For oil tankers, there is an amended definition to clarify that the ESP Code does not apply to oil tankers carrying oil in independent tanks which are not part of ship’s hull (e.g. asphalt carriers).

DNV also reports that MSC106 approved draft SOLAS amendments to make electronic inclinometers for the measurement of heel angles compulsory for containerships and bulk carriers of 3,000 gross tonnage and over. The draft requirements are not intended for cargo ships occasionally carrying cargoes in bulk or general cargo ships carrying containers on deck. The draft amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026, subject to adoption by MSC 107 (June 2023).