Viking Life-Saving Equipment has emphasised the need for ship owners and operators to take action ahead of looming regulations banning the use of perfluoro-sulfonic acids on ships

Commonly used in firefighting foams, PFOS will be outlawed on new ships with effect from 1 January 2026, with existing vessels required to replace them by their first survey after this date.

Classed as persistent organic pollutants, these chemicals were largely phased out by US and European chemical producers over a decade ago due to health concerns, but maritime restrictions have lagged behind.