02/09/2026
The Australian Government has recently released the ‘Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP)’, setting out priorities to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s maritime sector and help position the industry for the global transition to net zero.
The FPIB acknowledges that decarbonisation is a whole-of-industry challenge, and every part of a vessel’s operations has a role to play. Did you know this also extends to the fire suppression systems that protect vessels, equipment and people?
By supporting both the fire protection permit scheme and increased awareness, the FPIB is assisting the fire protection industry’s transition away from Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases (SGGs). In the maritime sector, this includes moving away from scheduled extinguishing agents such as FM-200 (HFC-227ea) and NAF-S-III.
Releasing one kilogram of FM-200 traps the equivalent heat of 3,220 to 3,350 kg of carbon dioxide, and releasing one kilogram of NAF-S-III traps the equivalent heat of 1,546 kg of carbon dioxide. So, what are the alternatives?
Depending on the vessel, hazard and system requirements, options can include:
✅ Inert gas systems, such as IG-541 and IG-55, which use naturally occurring gases and have zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and zero Global Warming Potential (GWP).
✅ Water mist systems, which use finely atomised water to suppress fires and can be suitable for a range of maritime applications.
✅ Condensed aerosol systems, which use a solid aerosol-forming compound to suppress fires and can be suitable for protecting enclosed spaces and equipment.
The right solution will depend on the vessel, protected hazard, available space, system design and applicable fire safety requirements. Transitioning to a cleaner alternative therefore requires careful assessment and engineering to ensure fire protection performance is maintained.
As Australia works towards a lower-emissions maritime sector, cleaner fire suppression is one practical way that both vessel owners and the fire protection industry can contribute to the broader transition.
👉 Find out more about cleaner fire suppression alternatives here: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/maritime/protection-marine-environment/mernap
Find out more about the MERNAP here: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/maritime/protection-marine-environment/mernap
