ANNEX 1
Cyber Risk
Short description of the overall topic
The United States believes that cyber risk is an emerging issue that is currently affecting the
maritime industry and the Organization. It will continue to have an effect in the long term.
Narrative of the trends and developments
Ship and port facility operators are increasingly dependent on computers and cyber technologies
for navigation, communications, propulsion, engineering, cargo, ballast, safety, environmental
control and many other purposes. The increasing trend in the use of cyber systems benefit the
maritime industry, but their use also introduces great risk. From a security perspective cyber
systems may be exposed to deliberate, malicious acts from individuals who may attempt to
control, disable, or exploit cyber systems. From a safety perspective, non-targeted malware,
innocent misuse of systems, and simple technical errors may impact vital systems related to ship
and propulsion control, navigation-related technologies, industrial ship control technologies
including propulsion, steering, ballast water management, electrical systems, heating, ventilation,
air conditioning systems, cargo pumps, cargo tracking and control, ship stability control systems,
fire detection and protection, gate access control and communication and monitoring systems,
alarm systems and various hazardous gas alarm systems, pollution and other safety and
environmental monitoring.
Supporting data
Papers were recently submitted on this issue, including MSC 95/4/6 (United States) and in
preparation for the upcoming FAL 40 meeting.
The challenges facing the maritime community
Additional steps need to be taken to assist shipowners and operators to implement robust cyber
risk management practices.
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Enclosure (1)
ANNEX 2
Unmanned Maritime Systems
Short description of the overall topic
Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMSs) have an increased presence in the maritime community
and it is forecasted that there will be more frequent interactions between them and manned
vessels. It is imperative that both manned and unmanned operations proceed without incident or
negative impact to the marine environment.
Narrative of the trends and developments
UMSs are already an integral part of the maritime environment and have been for close to twenty
years. UMSs are becoming more technically sophisticated and larger in size every day.
In the United States, UMS have been developed largely to support government agencies such as
the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), but have their roots in academia, primarily for oceanographic research and
environmental monitoring. In addition, commercial entities use them for a wide range of
applications including surveys, inspection of critical infrastructure, salvage and even treasure
hunting. The oil, gas and mineral sector in particular is poised to become the most prolific
employer of unmanned maritime systems for a variety of applications, including surveying,
exploration, monitoring, asset protection and risk mitigation.
Supporting data
Recently, a UMS was used to support the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, and prior
to that for the Air France search and recovery operation. The evolving technologies stemming
from unmanned marine systems demand updates to the international standards in order to
mitigate any unforeseen safety implications to the maritime transportation system. It appears
these autonomous systems will first operate within State waters, but will likely branch out to
international waters if they are successfully operated in coastal areas. Research and
Development (R&D) focus is driving advances in automation, smart controls, robotics,
optimization and decision support tools, and maintenance of equipment and system management.
The challenges facing the maritime community
The major challenges include the need to ensure that safety of navigation and the protection of
life and property at sea, and the safe and proper operation of all manned vessels and unmanned
vehicles. Properly developed Best Practices, coupled with appropriate COLREGs/Inland
Navigation Rules changes, will ensure these challenges can be met. IMO Conventions, such as
the COLREGS and SOLAS, will likely need amendments to address ship-to-ship movements
and communication requirements for their safe operation.
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Enclosure (2)
ANNEX 3
Use of Alternative Fuels, Hybrid Power Distribution Systems & Modern Energy Storage
Devices
Short description of the overall topic
The United States believes that the use of alternative fuels, hybrid power distribution systems
and energy storage devices and techniques are advances that will continue to present
opportunities and challenges for the Organization and the maritime industry. These alternative
propulsion systems generally have significant environmental benefits in terms of air-emissions
and overall fuel efficiency, but also present unique risks and safety hazards that must be
mitigated.
Narrative of the trends and developments
In recent years, the push toward the use of LNG as fuel as a means of meeting increasingly strict
emission control mandates, and subsequent development of the IGF Code, has highlighted the
complex and interrelated nature of the various IMO mandatory instruments. As work continues
on the IGF Code, specifically the expansion of its scope to the use of other alternative fuel
technologies (e.g. hydrogen fuel cells, alcohols, and low-flashpoint diesel fuels), the
Organization and the maritime industry as a whole will continue to confront similar challenges.
Indications are that these challenges may go beyond addressing the fire safety issues we
traditionally associate with fuels, or even cryogenic issues we are now familiar with for LNGfuel.
Other means for meeting emission control mandates include energy storage and power
management systems. Advances in hybrid power system technologies have made new
possibilities in shipboard power systems. Lithium based batteries are two to five times more
power dense than equivalent lead-acid batteries and are becoming less expensive, making all
electric or hybrid electric power systems possible on some types of vessels.
Lithium ion batteries have unique safety concerns in both the installation and operation of the
batteries. The primary concern is the fire hazard associated with improper charging. This can be
eliminated with the use of a battery management system (BMS). Additional safety hazards with
Lithium ion batteries include off-gassing and chemical exposure.
Supporting data
Parameters such as chemical or biological reactivity and toxicity are becoming increasingly
important. We have seen a glimpse of this with bio-diesel fuels containing fatty acid methyl
esters (FAME), which can clog fuel systems with biological growth when used in the marine
environment; or special fuel blends with components, resulting in unexpected fuel leaks.
Technologies such as battery powered electric propulsion and fuel cells are fairly well developed
for smaller transportation modes such as automobiles. However, there are significant challenges
that currently make these systems inadequate for the main propulsion systems of large, ocean
going vessels. These technologies may, however, see increased interest for use in novel power
distribution systems or on smaller vessels.
Enclosure (3)
In terms of power management systems, energy storage technology can be applied in a number
of ways, all of which present unique safety considerations when used on vessels. Some examples
of new energy storage applications are:
1. Load smoothing/peak shaving - Stored energy provides improved reliability in an
Integrated Propulsion System by providing short duration power during surges without
the need to place online an additional generator.
2. All-electric - Advances in storage capacity provide the opportunity for an all-electric
vessel for short duration voyages. Lithium ion batteries store sufficient power for short
transits, however the technology has not matured to the point where ocean going vessels
can use all electric propulsion.
3. Shore power alternative – Increasingly stringent environmental standards have driven the
development of significant shore power installations. Some ports actually mandate the
use of shore power for large vessels when moored.
4. Emergency power source – New battery technology improves the appeal of an
accumulator battery used as an emergency power source. SOLAS does not currently
specify the type of battery used as an emergency power source, and it is possible that
large Lithium ion battery installations will be developed soon.
A dynamic power management system might use the above techniques to reduce the total power
generation demand. These techniques have been proven in other sectors but have not been
implemented in the commercial shipping industry. Although significant improvements in fuel
efficiency are possible with these techniques, the interdependent nature of these systems may be
vulnerable to cascading failures.
The challenges facing the maritime community
Establishing standards for marine fuels which go beyond simply limiting a fuel’s flashpoint may
become increasingly important if we are to ensure maritime safety while at the same time
advancing technology to meet the world’s emerging environmental and fiscal challenges.
Additionally, there is a need for maritime standards associated with the systems that use and
support these alternative fuels.
As the energy renaissance continues, shipping companies will be compelled to improve
efficiencies due to environmental regulations, and to reduce costs. Energy storage technology,
such as Lithium ion batteries, has enabled many new techniques for shipboard power generation
and distribution. A regulatory shift may be necessary to enable those technologies. Governing
bodies should be prepared to address those designs while balancing the tradeoff between proven
safety and efficiency.
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ANNEX 4
Use of Advanced Materials in Ship Design & Construction
Short description of the overall topic
As advancements in composites and nanotechnology continue to rapidly progress, so too does
the demand and desire to apply these types of materials in novel ways for use in ship design and
construction. In order to effectively oversee their application in the maritime domain, the IMO
must remain poised to develop and maintain standardized safe practices wherever these materials
are proposed for use.
Narrative of the trends and developments
While composites and other advanced material technologies are not new per se, they have
become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to be applied in novel and unique ways in the
maritime environment.
For instance, 20 years ago fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) gratings were almost unheard of, but
today they are fast becoming the standard for use in the offshore industry for their weight savings
and anti-corrosive properties when compared to traditional steel grates. While FRP gratings may
provide an equivalent level of physical performance to steel gratings under normal operating
conditions, these products are more susceptible to damage by fire than their steel counterparts.
As a result, developing appropriate fire testing standards became a necessity for the United
States, and these were first drafted in 1998. As our understanding of the limitations of the
original testing criteria improved over time, the United States realized that more standardized fire
test methods would be needed. Subsequently, we partnered with the FRP grating industry,
independent testing laboratories, technical experts, and others to create a consensus performance
standard for these products in 2014. This new standard, ASTM F3059, will be adopted by the
U.S. Coast Guard in the near future as the baseline of safety for FRP gratings when used as an
equivalent to steel grates onboard inspected vessels (e.g. deep draft ships, offshore drill
platforms, etc.). We recently shared this information with the Organization in an effort to inform
interested parties (SDC 2/12/1) and are pleased that it has been incorporated in corresponding
IMO documents as a reference.
A more significant and recent development in the use of composites is the push by certain sectors
in the maritime industry to construct commercial vessels in whole, or in part, with these
materials. Accepting composite construction for ships subject to SOLAS has many far-reaching
implications that must be fully considered by the Organization due in large part because existing
standards throughout SOLAS assume steel or equivalent construction. Specifically, as the use of
composite materials extends to larger or more numerous elements, care must be taken to consider
the impact on the ship as a whole. A few holistic considerations include:
1) damage stability and subdivision with regard to grounding and collision,
floatability, structural integrity and impact strength;
2) arrangements of life safety and egress routes due to combustible nature and high
smoke production rate of certain composites;
3) electrical issues such as:
⁻ electromagnetic compatibility and lack of counterpoise may interfere with
radio communications, radar, fire detection systems, automation, etc.;
Enclosure (4)
⁻
radar transparency, electrical grounding (composites are inherently nonconductive unless designed otherwise);
4) health and environmental concerns including worker exposure during construction
and disposal of synthetic materials at conclusion of vessel service; and
5) possible water intrusion and absorption over time in composite materials
With regard to other advanced materials, applying nanotechnology to create specialized
nanomaterials such as nanoplastics, nanocomposites, nanometals and nanocoatings for
application in developing new equipment and improving existing designs. It is evident in many
aspects of our society today. It is likely this trend will increase in the future as these
technologies evolve. One example can be found in the use nanometals onboard offshore oil rigs
due to their superior resistance to corrosion, and major oil companies are funding their
development (see article cited in next section). Since the application of nanotechnology is such
an emerging development in the maritime industry, it is important that the IMO maintain
awareness of its advancements in order to address any emergent issues associated.
Supporting data
Various Member States have recently submitted papers requesting that the Organization develop
composite construction guidelines due to increased industry demand. A list of relevant proposals
and concerns are: MSC 97/24/9 (United Kingdom); FP 55/19 (United Kingdom); FP 55/19/1
(Sweden); FP 56/12 (Sweden); FP 56/12/1 (United States); FP 56/12/2 (China); MSC 95/10/7
(United States); SDC 3/17 (Germany); SDC 3/17/1 (United States); SDC 3/17/2 (Sweden); and
SDC 3/17/3 (CESA).
There are many articles discussing the current and future applications of nanotechnology in the
marine environment. One example discussing corrosion-protected nanometals manufactured
using advances in nanotechnology is found here - http://fortune.com/2015/08/25/grow-metallike-a-tree/.
The challenges facing the maritime community
As shipbuilders and other parties push to use composites and advanced materials in increasingly
novel ways, progress must be balanced by caution. The IMO should provide defined
performance standards to address these issues. If Administrations are left to consider each case
alone, lack of clear guidance will likely result in a significant reduction in the level of safety
provided by such ships.
While fire performance is an obvious concern regarding the combustible nature of certain types
of composites (such as FRP/GRP), so too is the holistic impact on the entire ship when utilizing
these types of products. Factors to consider include: damage stability and subdivision,
arrangements of life safety appliances and egress routes, electrical issues regarding counterpoise,
radio communication interference, health and environmental concerns regarding construction
and disposal, and many others.
Challenges associated with nanotechnology are not clear at this stage although possible concerns
include potential for impact to the environment and human health as well as construction
standards and reliability.
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ANNEX 5
Environmental Aspects Related to Operational Discharges
Short description of the overall topic
The control and management of discharges incidental to the operation of vessels will
continue to pose future challenges for the Organization and the maritime industry. To date,
IMO has done well to address the environmental hazards associated with ships’ cargo and
fuel. However, as environmental sensitivity continues to increase in today’s society, there
will be increasing pressure to address the environmental risks associated with other
operational discharges from ships. A critical aspect of this issue is that the maritime industry
is increasingly relying on new and developing technologies to reduce and control air and
water pollution. Not only are these technologies often new to the maritime industry, they are
often largely unproven under long-term maritime operating conditions.
Narrative of the trends and developments
In recent years, stakeholders have become increasingly concerned about potential adverse
impacts to the marine environment and human societies due to vessel discharges and
emissions. Addressing these emerging concerns and finding solutions to these problems both
require multidisciplinary engagement and collaboration among several distinct but related
technical fields, including marine engineering, biology, chemistry, and naval architecture.
These challenges are more complex and interactive than issues traditionally addressed by the
Organization. Specific concerns are emerging related to conventions addressing air and
water pollution, as well as other issues, such as black carbon, ship biofouling, and increased
scrutiny of black and gray water management. Of particular concern are issues related to the
evaluation of management and monitoring technologies that require interacting aspects of
science, engineering, and ship design. Environmental protection will continue to be a
primary concern of the Organization, and the maritime industry as a whole will continue to
confront these challenges.
Supporting data
Parameters such as chemical or biological reactivity and toxicity are becoming increasingly
important when addressing management of ship discharges, from both air and water pollution
control technologies. Treatment and management strategies may have potential adverse
environmental and safety consequences, including but not limited to mechanical and
electrical failure of the equipment, impacts on ship propulsion, human health risks of using
and generating chemicals that require special handling, and risks related to generating
ultraviolet light, ultrasonic impulses, vibrations, and other mechanical treatment. The control
and management of other substances in incidental discharges also involves potential adverse
effects due to the chemical and biological (including toxic and reactive) characteristics of
alternatives.
There may be a lack of data on the long-term operation and efficacy of these new and rapidly
evolving treatment technologies. As the markets develop for these technologies,
manufacturers rapidly refine design and operation specifications, and maritime
administrations revise type approval and compliance assessment requirements.
Enclosure (5)
The challenges facing the maritime community
The major challenge to the maritime community is to ensure that pollution control
technologies both protect the environment and do not interfere with the safety and proper
operation of vessels. Vessel owners and operators also face uncertainty in the investment
required for pollution control technologies because the system purchased and installed may
require additional upgrades, re-engineering, unanticipated maintenance requirements, or
various other changes to continue to operate effectively.
The technical challenges to establishing standards for incidental discharges and emissions,
and the means for achieving and assessing compliance with such limits, are becoming
increasingly complex. If we are to ensure maritime safety while at the same time advancing
technology to meet the world’s emerging environmental and fiscal challenges, the
Organization will need to adapt to these challenges by increasing the breadth of its
competency.
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ANNEX 6
Implementation of IMO Instruments
Short description of the overall topic
The United States believes that implementation of requirements, while not an emerging
issue, remains a challenge for the Organization.
Narrative of the trends and developments
The increasing number of safety, security and environmental protection requirements in IMO
mandatory instruments, continues to be subject to varied implementation and compliance among
the IMO members. The recent financial crisis has dramatically affected the world with impacts
far and wide in both business and government. IMO and its members are not immune to this
crisis thus demanding the prioritization of the work, and the further scrutiny of the new
requirements to minimize the additional administrative burdens.
Supporting data
N/A
The challenges facing the maritime community
Ultimately the IMO and the maritime industry, as a whole, will be judged on its overall
performance and while we can continue to raise standards, increased implementation with
increased compliance with all requirements will improve overall industry performance.
***
Enclosure (6)
ANNEX 7
Seafarer Training
Short description of the overall topic
The United States believes that the required training continues to increase as a result of
specialized operations and technology.
Narrative of the trends and developments
Seafarer training will continue to increase to ensure seafarers can carry out their duties and
responsibilities in a safe manner. Some of changes and trends contributing to this are:
1) constant increase of technology comes with an expectation that training is
necessary in the use of that technology; and
2) ships are becoming more specialized thus, requiring specialized training, in
addition to the general training already included in the STCW Convention.
The current training requirements are modeled around general training, and are supplemented by
specialized training and familiarization while on board the ship. The current training paradigm
envisions the Administration ensuring the seafarer is competent through the issuance of a
certificate of competency however, in recent years we've seen the move to ensure that it is the
owner who is responsible for ensuring that the ship is manned with qualified seafarers. Recent
experience with the installation of new technology onboard ships and its custom training has
raised questions on the need to developed detailed equipment performance standards to ensure
design and development of similar equipment across all manufacturers. It is necessary to ensure
that formal training (onboard or ashore) is implemented universally and supplemented by
additional minimal familiarization with the equipment installed on board the ship.
Supporting data
N/A
The challenges facing the maritime community
IMO will be faced with changing its approach for “when” and “where” training is conducted
while ensuring seafarers are qualified and competent to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
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Enclosure (7)