87 Photo: credit The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (pictured in session) agreed to postpone the Carbon Intensity Indicator regulation from 2026 until at least 2030 following Interferry’s intervention We made it clear that we would not accept any retroactive application. Supported by many others, we also questioned the value of a special SRtP training and qualification regime for new ships, highlighting that SRtP drills should be formalised and subject to passenger ship safety survey. We have 15 years’ worth of SRtP experience and there is no indication that training and drills have not been good enough. It was agreed that any training/drill issues should be dealt with by the ongoing review of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. Some elements of SRtP are clearly more relevant to very large cruise ships in deep-sea operation as opposed to ro-pax ferries providing short-sea ro-pax services, notably in regard to voyage duration and the consequent requirements on levels of provisions and crewing. The flag states were not supportive of the industry-wide relaxation of these requirements, but many did suggest this is something they could agree with operators without it being part of the legal text. Draft revisions also define the durations of SRtP voyages in both adverse and favourable weather conditions. The time and minimum speed allowances could be limiting for current and future full-electric and hybridelectric designs, but there was a moderate relaxation of the provision allowing lower speed to be accepted if the operator can demonstrate manoeuvrability. Last but not least, Interferry has successfully convinced regulators about the capability of ferries to cope with fires emanating from battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Findings from our involvement in the European Union’s 2019-2023 Fire Safe project prompted our heavy engagement on IMO regulations for carrying BEVs. Our fundamental input stressed that there is no higher fire risk compared with that posed by combustion-engine vehicles. We have presented evidence that BEV fires can be controlled onboard by conventional drencher systems before SRtP for any further assistance required from professional firefighters. “ Ferries and ferry operations have unique characteristics” Photo: International Maritime Organization
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