Fire FightingFoam Analysis

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has amended the SOLAS Convention and High-Speed Craft (HSC) Codes to ban the use and carriage of firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) above 10 mg/kg, starting 01 January 2026. This requirement applies to both new and existing ships and crafts.

New ship requirements:

• Ships and crafts constructed on or after 01 January 2026 are to comply with the new requirements at the time of delivery.

Existing ship requirements:

• Existing ships and crafts are to comply with the new requirements no later than the date of the ‘first survey’ on or after 01 January 2026. The term ‘first survey’ means the first annual survey, the first periodical survey, or the first renewal survey, whichever is due first after 01 January 2026.

The core reason behind the prohibition is that PFOS belongs to the larger family of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. It is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, with significant environmental and health risks. Additionally, PFOS has been identified for a worldwide phase-out in accordance with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Shipowners, Operators, and Masters must be actively vigilant in adhering to the prohibition by securing a manufacturer’s declaration or laboratory test report promptly to verify the concentrate of any existing foam onboard, and thereafter, complies with the new requirements. If any fire-fighting media containing PFOS is detected onboard, prompt action is required to remove or replace the material by the deadline or before the date of the ‘first survey’ after 01 January 2026.

For customers unable to obtain a declaration from the manufacturer of existing foam onboard, Maritec-Naias’s analyse for PFOS can be conducted alongside routine analysis for other parameters.

Testing Frequency & Parameters as per IMO guidelines:

To ensure foam concentrate remains effective and has not degraded due to age, contamination, or environmental exposure, it must be periodically tested according to IMO guidelines (MSC/Circ.670 for High-Expansion foam concentrate and MSC.1/Circ.1312 for Low-Expansion foam concentrate). The first periodic test must be performed not more than 3 years after the foam concentrate has been supplied to the ship, and after that, every year. Parameters for testing include expansion ratio, drainage time, pH, density, and fire performance criteria. Chemical stability test for protein-based alcohol-resistant foam concentrates, shall be performed prior to the delivery of the ship and annually thereafter.

The fire protection system shall be maintained and inspected regularly as per MSC.1/Circ.1432. For the five-year service, Maritec-Naias performs testing of the foam solution to confirm that the mixing ration tolerance is within the applicable limits

To support our customer’s in adherence with latest IMO regulatory requirements, Maritec-Naias offers Fire Fighting Foam Analysis services, which include:

• PFOS Concentrate Analysis for existing foam onboard (incase stakeholders are unable to obtain manufacturer’s declaration)
• Annual/Periodical Analysis (Foam Concentrate)
• Annual/Periodical Analysis (Alcohol-Resistant Foam Concentrate)
• Mixed Produced Foam Analysis (5 yearly)
• PFAS (20 analyte) Analysis includes PFOS, PFOA & PHFxS

Why choose Maritec-Naias?

• Rapid TAT for analysis and report delivery
• ISO 17025 Accredited Testing
• Tailored testing service packages to suit customers varied needs and budgets
• Longstanding experience in testing for adherence to maritime regulatory requirements

Would you like to learn more about out services?  Get in contact