The IMO Maritime Safety Committee held its 108th session from May 15-24 (MSC 108). During this session, new SOLAS regulations and Fire Safety Systems Code (FSS Code) were adopted.

Here is a summary of how the new regulations affect new-build ships starting 1 Jan 2026, and existing ships built before 1 Jan 2026:

SOLAS II-2/20 Paragraph 5.3, adopted May 2024 at MSC 108, reads

5.3 Arrangement of weather deck intended for the carriage of vehicles

5.3.1 Appropriate arrangements shall be made so that a fully developed fire on weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles does not endanger:

1) stowage areas for survival craft;

2) embarkation stations and assembly stations including access to these; and

3) accommodation spaces, control stations and normally occupied service spaces in superstructures and deckhouses adjacent to the weather deck.

New FSS Code

New FSS Code Chapter 7, Paragraph 2.5, reads

2.5 Fixed water-based fire-extinguishing on ro-ro passenger ships’ weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles.

This chapter details the specification of fixed water-based fire-extinguishing on ro-ro passenger ships having weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles as required by chapter II-2 of the Convention. The requirements of this chapter shall apply to ro-ro passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026.

2.5.1 The protected area shall be the entire length and width of the weather deck intended for the carriage of vehicles. The fixed monitor(s) shall be capable of delivering water to:

1) the area of weather decks intended for carriage of vehicles; and

2) the area, including superstructure boundaries located up to 8.0 m, measured horizontally, from the area intended for vehicle storage, or the next vertical boundaries, whichever is less.

2.5.2 The combined capacity of all fixed monitors shall be minimum 2.0 L/min per square metre of the protected area, but in no case shall the output of any monitor be less than 1,250 L/min. Even distribution of water shall be ensured.

2.5.3 The distance from the monitor to the farthest extremity of the protected area forward of that monitor shall not be more than 75% of the monitor throw in still air conditions.

2.5.4 Each monitor shall be located outside the area which it protects, in a safe position, with access not likely to be cut off in case of fire.

Monitors shall be installed in positions which allow for unobstructed water coverage with vehicles stowed to maximum capacity of the weather deck. However, areas that cannot be covered by water monitors shall be protected by water nozzles. Nozzles shall be designed and installed taking into account weather conditions and provide 5.0 L/min per square metre for the area they cover and have release controls in a position being accessible in case of a fire.