Lloyds Registry Bans Fire-Extinguishing Media On Ships With Effect From January 1, 2026

Lloyd’s Register has issued an important regulatory update stating that starting January 1, 2026, the use or storage of fire-extinguishing media, including firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), will be prohibited on ships.

This ban applies to both fixed and portable systems and equipment under SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the High Speed Craft (HSC) Codes (1994 and 2000), following IMO amendments adopted via MSC resolutions MSC.532(107), MSC.536(107), and MSC.537(107).

The foremost Registry stated that ships constructed (keel laid) on or after January 1, 2026, must not use or store fire-extinguishing media with PFOS concentrations above 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight) upon delivery.

It noted that ships constructed before that date must comply no later than their first survey on or after January 1, 2026.

It further prohibited that substances must be disposed of at appropriate shore facilities, adding that declarations from fire-extinguishing media manufacturers detailing type, production batch, and certification must be kept onboard and available for inspection.

“Where declarations or test reports are unavailable for extinguishing media installed before 2026, onboard sampling and testing per recognized standards (e.g., NPR-CEN/TS 15968) are required to verify PFOS levels.

“Shipowners, managers, and operators must ensure all fire-extinguishing media onboard are PFOS-free or safely disposed of by the first survey after January 1, 2026. Replacement media must be appropriately type-approved, and hazardous material inventories updated accordingly.

“Further restrictions on PFAS-related chemicals, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), may be introduced by the EU, IMO, and other regulatory bodies in the future.”it noted.