While I don't have any insider info on the behind the scenes wrangling wrt IMO regulations, I would assume that asbestos wouldn't have been prohibited unless sa

While I don't have any insider info on the behind the scenes wrangling wrt IMO regulations, I would assume that asbestos wouldn't have been prohibited unless satisfactory alternatives weren't available. E.g. mineral wool, glass wool, and Zetex fabric are AFAIU widely used as fireproof insulation materials all over the world, presumably also in 'asbestos-free' ships.