Refrigerant Handling Guide Global warming potential

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) was developed to compare the global warming impacts of different gases. It is used as a measure of the amount of energy absorbed by the emissions of one tonne of gas, relative to the emission of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2).

1987

The Montreal Protocol was established to protect the ozone layer by phasing out HCFCs such as R-22.

EU F-gas Regulation (517/2014) entered into force in 2015 to reduce the use of HFCs and impose a service ban on HFCs with high GWP of >2,500 like R-404A, R-507 and R-422D from 2020.

2015

*Full list of A5 and non-A5 countries can be found in glossary

Today, environmental regulations and agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and F-gas regulations are phasing out high GWP refrigerants in favour of more environmentally friendly solutions.

2016

In 2016, 197 countries agreed upon an amendment to the Montreal Protocol for phasing down HFCs such as R404A, R134A.

Challenges and impact on Marine Industry

- Refrigerant suppliers will focus on producing HFO blends for wider inland market.

- Most of the HFO blends are not suitable for Marine applications (A2L – slightly flammable)

- Alternative refrigerants (Propane & Ammonia) are flammable and toxic.

Global HFC phase down Montreal Protocol: A5 countries: Introduction of HFC quota/license system Non-A5 countries: Quota cut by 1/3

EU F-gas regulation: Quota cut by 50%

2024

- CO � applications are small due to risk of leakage into accommodation spaces.

- Fewer refrigerant options

- Business disruption, financial impact