Countdown to compliance To protect crew against exposure to dangerous substances used in firefighting systems as well as to minimize the impact on the environment, MSC 106 has approved draft amendments to prohibit use of PFOS from both fixed and portable firefighting systems. The amendments was adopted at MSC 107 and will enter into force 1 January 2026. Keeping ahead of the regulations Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, Australia have already banned PFOS/PFAS and as regulations advances, all PFAS (C6 and C8) in firefighting foam will be restricted over the next few years. This means that there will be restrictions for producing, transporting, and selling – furthermore strict rules will be applied in relation to cleaning and disposal of PFOS/PFAS. When does the changes comes into effect? In the meantime, it was agreed that when substances containing PFOS are removed from the ship, they should be moved to appropriate reception facilities and be disposed of and incinerated. The IMO SSE decided to prohibit the use of PFOS from new and existing ships nolater than the date of first survey after 1 January 2026.
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