The IMO has published Resolution MSC.550(108) which includes amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-2/20 (Protection of vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces) and Resolution MSC.555(108) ‘Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)’ which includes amendments to Chapter 7 (Fixed pressure water-spraying and water mist fire-extinguishing systems) and Chapter 9 (Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems).

The SOLAS Regulation II-2/20 amendments may require some significant retrofit modifications for existing ro-ro passenger ships.

The amended SOLAS regulation II-2/20 requirements apply to cargo ships and ro-ro passenger ships constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January 2026, and include:

• Section 4.1 (Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems)
• Section 4.4 (Video monitoring)
• Section 5 (Structural fire protection and arrangement of openings)
• Section 6.2 (Fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system on weather decks intended for carriage of vehicles)
• Section 7 (Decision-making)

Ro-ro passenger ships constructed (keel laid) before 1 January 2026 also need to comply with the requirements and deadlines of the following paragraphs, not later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2028:

• Paragraph 4.1.6 (Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems): This effectively mandates installation of heat detectors additional to any existing smoke detectors in special category spaces, open and closed ro-ro and vehicle spaces. Alternatively, existing smoke detectors could be replaced with combined smoke and heat detectors.
• Paragraphs 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 (Video monitoring): an effective video monitoring and recording system shall be arranged in vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces for continuous monitoring of these spaces.
• Paragraph 6.2.3 (Fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system on weather decks intended for carriage of vehicles): This effectively mandates installation of a fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system based on monitor(s) to protect areas on weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles.

Amendments to FSS Code

These new requirements, as adopted by Res. MSC. 555(108), enter into force on 1 January 2026 and apply as follows:

• The new Section 2.5 of Chapter 7 of the FSS Code (Fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system on ro-ro passenger ships’ weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles) apply to ro-ro passenger ships constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January 2026.
• The new Sections 2.3.1.5 and 2.4.2.2 of Chapter 9 of the FSS Code (Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems) apply to ro-ro passenger ships constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January 2026.
• The new paragraphs 2.5.1.2, 2.5.1.3 and 2.5.1.4 of Chapter 9 of the FSS Code (Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems) (Visual and audible fire signals) apply to ro-ro passenger ships constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January 2026.

What shipowners and managers should do now

Please review the new IMO amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-2/20 and the FSS Code to ensure continued compliance of existing vessels. Kindly arrange for submission of plans for approval by LR, detailing any necessary modifications, well ahead of the required compliance date on the first survey on or after 1 January 2028.