Fire safety on board ships has always relied on specialised extinguishing media—particularly foams capable of suppressing difficult fires involving fuel, machinery spaces, and cargo. For many years, one of the common ingredients in these foams has been PFOS, a chemical valued for its ability to repel oil, water, and grease. However, from 1 January 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will prohibit the use and storage of firefighting media containing PFOS on all ships governed by SOLAS and the High-Speed Craft Codes. This marks a significant regulatory shift for shipowners, yards, suppliers, and flag administrations.
Understanding what PFOS is—and why the maritime sector must now eliminate it—is essential for compliance and responsible ship operation.
What Exactly Is PFOS?
PFOS, short for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, belongs to a larger family of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in nature or in human bodies.
PFOS became widely used because of its strong surface-active properties. In firefighting foams, it
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