- +30 210 4614498
- marinesafety@benemar.gr
+30 210 4614498
E-mail: marinesafety@benemar.gr
The challenge: Navigating new restrictions on firefighting foams
Further to IMO Resolution MSC.532(107) and the forthcoming amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, Regulation 10, please note that from 1 January 2026 the use and storage of extinguishing media containing perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) will be strictly prohibited onboard vessels. If your ship was constructed before this date, it is imperative to ensure compliance by the time of its first survey* after the regulation comes into force.
What should shipowners and ship managers do now?
By the first survey* on or after 1 January 2026, shipowners, ship managers and ship operators must ensure:
• They have evidence that fire-extinguishing media is PFOS-free or have arranged for the safe disposal of any prohibited fire-extinguishing media;
• Any replacement fire-extinguishing media or equipment has been suitably type approved;
• They update the vessel’s inventory of hazardous materials after removal of any PFOS-containing fire-extinguishing media, as applicable.
Our Company can undertake the following tasks:
• Verification/Confirmation whether the vessel’s existing AFFF firefighting system contains PFOS and thus falls under the requirement for replacement
• In case replacement is necessary, we can offer the following:
1. Perform cleaning of foam tanks/disposal of the old foam (where applicable) in compliance with environmental regulations
2. The recommended type of approved and certified replacement firefighting media, guaranteed to be PFOS-free with certificate
3. Accurate costs involved for:
• Supply of the replacement foam
• Cleaning/disposal of the old foam in compliance with environmental regulations
• Any additional services required
4. Indicative timeline for carrying out this work