Survitec has announced the successful completion of performance testing for its new alcohol-resistant, fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates. The company confirmed that the results show these foams are compatible with existing marine foam proportioning and pump systems, a key step in supporting the industry’s transition away from PFAS-based products ahead of new International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.
The testing was necessary to ensure that the denser, more viscous foam formulations could function effectively in systems originally designed for lower-viscosity compounds. Survitec explained that the process involved targeted modifications to dosing and pumping components rather than full system replacements.
The latest trials build on earlier laboratory tests evaluating foam performance under various marine conditions, including fire scenarios with different sprinkler nozzles and fuel types. Those tests demonstrated that the foam maintained stability and effectiveness, even with volatile substances like methanol. However, the alcohol-resistant variant posed new challenges due to its higher viscosity, which standard proportioners were not designed to accommodate. This increased the risk of inaccurate dosing, potentially compromising fire suppression effectiveness.
Maciej Niescioruk, Product Manager, Foam Systems at Survitec, emphasized the importance of accurate proportioning. Marine fire safety standards require dosing accuracy within a strict -0% to +30% range to avoid underdosing. He explained that higher-viscosity concentrates create greater flow resistance, and without adjustments, standard systems may deliver a mix below the required ratio, violating regulations and reducing performance.
Survitec reported that system redesign requirements varied based on configuration and scale, with some systems needing only minor changes to internal components and orifices to meet dosing standards.
The tests were conducted in anticipation of IMO MSC.532(107), which comes into effect in January 2026. This regulation bans the use and storage of firefighting foams containing PerFluoroOctane Sulfonate (PFOS), a PFAS compound being phased out due to environmental and health concerns.
Niescioruk stated that fluorine-free, alcohol-resistant foams are especially well-suited for chemical tankers, Norwegian double-ended ferries, and methanol-fueled vessels, where environmental protection and fire safety are top priorities. He added that the successful testing allows Survitec to offer a validated solution that reduces technical risk and supports a smooth transition to fluorine-free technology. The findings are already being applied in ongoing projects, including a system commissioning in Turkey.
He also stressed the importance of early planning and working with experienced OEM partners to ensure that necessary system modifications are addressed well before the new regulations take effect.
