The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 107th session, adopted amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, Regulation 10 and the High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code, Chapter 7, Regulation 7.9. These amendments prohibit the use of firefighting foams containing perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) on ships, mobile offshore units, and other vessels.
Regulatory Changes and Compliance Deadlines
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 8) has set the following compliance timelines:
- From 1 January 2026, the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam will be prohibited on new ships.
- For existing ships, PFAS-based foams must be eliminated no later than five years from the date the regulation enters into force.
The ban primarily targets three Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- Their respective salts and related compounds
Why PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam?
PFAS chemicals are known to have serious environmental and health impacts, including:
✔ Liver dysfunction
✔ Immune and endocrine system disruption
✔ Neurobehavioral disorders
✔ Testicular and kidney cancer
Due to their persistent accumulation in the environment, regulatory bodies such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have mandated that PFAS levels in firefighting foam and equipment be limited to 1 ppm.
How CCIC Can Help
At CCIC Laboratory, we provide comprehensive PFAS analysis using state-of-the-art technology to help vessel owners and operators comply with SOLAS requirements. Our services include:
✅ Annual, Periodical, or Renewal Surveys
We conduct PFAS analysis at your first annual survey, first periodical survey, or first renewal survey, whichever is due first after the specified SOLAS date.
✅ Foam Concentrate and Equipment Testing
We collect and analyze foam concentrate, cleaning liquids, and swab samples to detect PFAS presence in your firefighting system during:
- Routine foam concentrate inspections
- Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Part I development (due by 26 June 2025)
Contact Us for PFAS Testing
Ensure your vessel is compliant and environmentally safe. Get in touch with us for PFAS analysis today
📍 Yen Chee Choy | Laboratory Project Manager
📞 +65 8608 4720 | ✉ cheechoy.yen@ccicsg.com
📍 Laboratory Inquiry
📞 +65 6778 5778 | ✉ labops@ccicsg.com