TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR SOME FI-FI FOAMS

A new IMO resolution will see the phase-out of foam firefighting systems that use fluorinated foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid PFOS) as the foam producing component.

The new rules come into effect under a rolling programme beginning in 2026, but Swedish maritime engineering specialist Scanunit believes that a proactive replacement strategy should be put into effect now.

Foam firefighting systems on ships typically make use of a family of synthetic chemical compounds known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS). They are used in a variety of applications aside from firefighting because of their very useful properties but their use is now being questioned as they have been shown to be toxic, bio-accumulative, and very persistent substances in the environment.

The common PFAS-compound in foam systems is perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid PFOS), although other PFASs may also be used. PFOS has been restricted in most Western countries since 2009 under the Stockholm Convention because of its impact on human health. These restrictions have led to an industrial transition and replacement of PFOS, although some of the replacements are other PFASs that may also be considered hazardous after more study.

Following work by the SSE sub-committee at the IMO, the MSC adopted resolutions MSC.530(107) amending SOLAS Chapter II2 and resolutions MSC.534(107) MSC.535(107) amending the HSC Codes 1994 and 2000) to prohibit the use of firefighting foams containing PFOS. This ban applies to both fixed and portable systems and comes into effect for new ships on 1 January 2026. Systems on existing ships will need to remove the PFOS and dispose of them safely ashore no later than the first survey date on or after January 1, 2026.