Asia/Pacific News
BP: Scrubbers Are the Most Economic Option for Shipowners
Scrubbers are the most economic option for companies looking to become compliant with Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations according to BP Singapore President Terence Yuen.
Scrubbers, which are outfitted on engines to remove sulfur from heavy marine fuel, were the "least disruptive," said Yuen, who last week was speaking at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition.
Beginning 2015, sulfur content in marine fuel used in ECAs will not be allowed to exceed 0.10 percent by weight.
In response, many companies have made plans to switch to marine gas oil, which has lower sulfur content, while others have looked to liquefied natural gas (LNG) capable engines or scrubbers.
Switching fuel however, has prompted many companies to impose surcharges onto customers as fuel costs rise.
The large price tag attached to converting to LNG power has also caused some companies to balk.
According to Yuen, there have been more than 50 orders made for scrubber technology to date, with the amount expected to grow every month.
Using scrubbers has also been seen as a good option for compliance when a proposed global sulfur cap of 0.5 percent comes into force.
That cap, however, is dependent upon a 2018 review which may also see the date pushed back to 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has said previously.
Yuen also previously championed the new sulfur cap, saying that the 2020 deadline was feasible.
