For shipowners and technical managers, this is no longer a planning exercise. Fire and safety systems must be assessed, upgraded, and documented to meet current regulatory requirements.

NGP FoamSafe Transition™ is Nordic Green Products’ structured service for PFOS compliant firefighting foam replacement and system readiness.

The PFOS ban is fully effective

The IMO amendments under Resolution MSC.532(107) are in force. PFOS-containing firefighting foam is strictly prohibited from being used, stored, or carried onboard vessels subject to SOLAS.

This applies even if the foam is not in active use. Mere presence in installed systems triggers non-compliance.

Non-transitioned vessels are now exposed to:

• Survey deficiencies
• Port State Control detention
• Operational delays and off-hire
• Forced, costly replacement under time pressure
  

Who must act?

The PFOS ban applies broadly across the maritime sector. The regulation directly impacts:

• Shipowning companies and fleet operators
• Technical managers and superintendents
• Vessels with legacy AFFF or PFOS containing foam
• Vessels approaching annual, intermediate, or renewal surveys
• Fleets operating internationally under Port State Control inspections
  

If PFOS foam is present, replacement and verification are mandatory.

What non-compliance means in practice

Non-compliance is typically identified during surveys or Port State Control inspections. Once identified, corrective actions are often required immediately.

Consequences include:

• Conditions of Class or survey failure
• Vessel detention until rectified
• Unplanned downtime and off-hire
• Emergency foam replacement at premium rates
• Heightened safety and environmental liability
  

Don't underestimate the impact. Resolving a deficiency under pressure is always more costly than planned compliance.

What is NGP FoamSafe Transition™

NGP FoamSafe Transition™ is a defined framework for preparing firefighting foam systems when transitioning from fluorinated to PFAS-free foam. It focuses on system condition, residual fluorinated substances, and documentation considerations beyond the foam concentrate itself.

FoamSafe™ is the applied, system-focused approach used within FoamSafe Transition™ to ensure system readiness and verifiable compliance.

The service is designed to ensure that:

• PFOS-containing foam is fully removed
• Systems are prepared for fluorine-free foam operation
• Replacement is performed in a controlled and documented manner
• Systems verified as survey-ready

FoamSafe™ is suitable for both planned compliance projects and time-critical corrective actions.

What the NGP FoamSafe™ service includes

NGP FoamSafe™ provides a structured, compliant approach to firefighting foam replacement.

Typical scope includes:

• Assessment of existing fire fighting foam systems
• Identification and removal of PFOS-containing foam
• System preparation, flushing, and cleaning using compatible fluorine-free cleaning agents
• Replacement with approved fluorine-free firefighting foam
• Functional verification of the system after replacement
• Documentation prepared for survey and Class review
  

All work is executed with a strict focus on safety, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

Why early action matters

While the ban is in force, the global transition is creating a bottleneck in service capacity. Waiting until survey dates approach increases the risk of limited availability.

Proactive planning ensures :

• Execution within planned maintenance windows
• Avoidance of reactive, costly decisions triggered by inspections
• Operational predictability
• Reduced total compliance costs
• Verified readiness before enforcement actions strike