Vessel operators warned: Act now or face penalties
More regulations could be about to hit vessel operators and owners thanks to EU legislation that the UK is likely to emulate.
Older refrigeration systems on vessels that cool engine rooms, auxiliary equipment, refrigerators, air-conditioning and cargo are rapidly becoming more costly to run, not because they need repairing, but because the gases that they need are being priced and regulated out of reach, says refrigerant supplier Star International, which supplies marine safety equipment, fire-fighting systems, marine chemicals and refrigerant gases. Star International will be exhibiting at Seawork next June.
Perfectly serviceable refrigeration plants are now becoming increasingly difficult to operate simply because the refrigerant is scarce – and after years of the EU tightening controls on these gases, the UK is set to follow the same route.
DEFRA, the UK government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has opened a consultation changes to F-gas regulations that could be even more stringent than the EU’s, says Star International director Paul Antley.
“If you’re still running older refrigeration systems and haven’t looked at switching, you need to act now, he says. “The proposed changes mean the phase-down is speeding up significantly and those without a transition strategy will find themselves with limited options and higher costs.”
Regulations ramp-up
By ‘phase-down’ he means the schedule by which refrigerants with so-called ‘global warming potential’ (GWP) are being pulled off the market.
The EU accelerated this process sharply in 2024, slashing allowable volumes of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and signalling the long-term phase-out of many commonly used gases.
Operators across Europe are already feeling the effects: reclaimed refrigerant stocks, volatile pricing and limited choice when breakdowns occur. Now UK vessel operators are staring down the barrel of the same gun, with older gases becoming even harder to source and alternatives facing increasing pressure.
“We’re already seeing this with some legacy gases,” says Antley. “Supply is tight, prices are rising, and operators who haven’t planned ahead are paying a premium when systems fail.
“R404A and R507 are heavily squeezed, with supply relying on reclaimed stocks. Operators who haven’t planned ahead are paying a premium when systems fail. The DEFRA consultation makes it clear this squeeze is coming for mid-range refrigerants like R410A, R407A/F and R134a – gases many operators currently consider ‘safe’.”
Switch now to cut losses
Compliance requirements are also tightening, adding administrative and legal risk on top of operational headaches.
The danger lies in doing nothing and the solution is planning ahead.
In many cases, vessels do not need a full refrigeration overhaul. Straightforward retrofits to lower-GWP “drop-in” alternatives can cut emissions by 50–75%, reduce exposure to future restrictions and stabilise running costs.
For newer or heavily used vessels, more modern refrigerants or redesigned systems offer even stronger long-term protection.
For vessels that can accommodate more substantial modifications, ultra-low GWP alternatives and natural refrigerants off the strongest long-term protection against future restrictions.
The key point is timing. Acting while supply is still relatively stable gives operators choice, control and competitive pricing. Leave it too late, and the market – not the operator – sets the terms.
“The exact reduction depends on your specific set-up, but operators who move now will avoid both the availability squeeze and the cost spike,” says Antley.
