At a time when the risk of ship fires is being closely monitored, the shortage of key chemicals in firefighting foams is putting safety at risk on an estimated 40,000 sea-going vessels. Starting from January 1, 2026, new regulations will phase out the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in firefighting foams on ships, with existing vessels required to replace them at their first survey after this date. PFOS are considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and have been banned in the US and have severe restrictions in the EU due to their harmful effects.
Despite the carcinogenic classification of PFOS, the lack of maritime restrictions has allowed its continued use in firefighting foams. With the upcoming regulations, port state control is expected to enforce compliance more strictly, ensuring a phased-out transition to safer chemicals. The industry-leading supplier VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has reported that the production of foams containing harmful compounds has already ceased, pushing ship owners to consider replacing them with fluorine-free alternatives.
The transition to safer firefighting foams poses logistical challenges, as vessels will need to undergo extensive cleaning, system recalibration, and possibly redesigning to accommodate the new foams. These changes need to be carefully planned during dry-dock periods to avoid disruptions to operations. VIKING offers comprehensive services for foam replacement, disposal, and certification, ensuring a smooth transition for ship owners as they adapt to the new regulatory requirements.
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