The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) has finalized prohibition of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) from fire-fighting systems on board ships. (ANNEX 2 RESOLUTION MSC.532(107)
This prohibition will protect the crew against exposure to dangerous substances that are used in fire-fighting systems and will minimize the negative consequences on the environment.
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) sub-committee on ship systems and equipment (SSE) met for the 8th session from 28 February to 4 March. Amongst other decisions, the sub-committee finalised prohibition of perfluoro-octane sulphonic acid (PFOS) to be used or stored on board as part of ships’ fire-fighting systems.
What is PFOS?
PFOS is part of a group of related chemicals known as perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). This is also called perfluorochemicals (PFCs). This group of chemicals is commonly used in a wide range of industrial processes and is found in many consumer products.
PFOS is toxic to humans, and there is growing evidence that long-chain PFAS could cause liver malfunction, disruptive effects on the immune and endocrine system, adverse neurobehavioral effects, testicular and kidney cancer, and other adverse effects. Due to its long-term persistent accumulation, humans, wildlife and the environment are continually exposed.
Studies have shown that, workers and people who live in in areas with high levels of PFOS in drinking water, PFOS can:
increase cholesterol,
cause pregnancy-induced hypertension,
increase the risk for thyroid disease,
decrease antibody response to vaccines,
decrease fertility,
cause small decreases in birth weight.
It should be pointed out that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has classified PFOS as having suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential.
ANNEX 2 RESOLUTION MSC.532(107) (adopted on 8 June 2023) AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1974
CHAPTER II-2 CONSTRUCTION – FIRE PROTECTION, FIRE DETECTION AND FIRE EXTINCTION
Part A General
Regulation 1
Application
2 Applicable requirements to existing ships
3 The following new paragraph 2.10 is added after existing paragraph 2.9, together with the associated footnote:
"2.10 Ships constructed before 1 January 2026 shall comply with regulation 10.11.2, as adopted by resolution MSC.532(107), not later than the date of the first survey* on or after 1 January 2026.
Part C
Suppression of fire
Regulation 10
Fire fighting
4 The following new paragraph 11 is added after existing section 10:
"11 Fire-extinguishing media restrictions
The purpose of this paragraph is to protect persons on board against exposure to dangerous substances used in firefighting, as well as to minimize the impact of fire-extinguishing media that are deemed detrimental to the environment.
11.1 Application
This regulation applies to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026.
11.2 General
11.2.1 The prohibited substances in this regulation shall be delivered to appropriate shore-based reception facilities when removed from the ship. 11.2.2 Use or storage of extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) shall be prohibited."
DOWNLOAD HERE
https://www.iomshipregistry.com/media/1acorgtj/msc_532_107_pdf.pdf
In the meantime, it was agreed that when substances containing PFOS are removed from the ship, they should be moved to appropriate reception facilities.
https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/SSE-8th-session.aspx
https://www.viking-life.com/campaign/062024-regulations-guide-for-firefighting-foam/
