EMEA News
Finnlines Makes Further Investment in Environmental and Fuel Consumption Reduction Technologies
Finnlines says it is making a further investment in environmental and fuel consumption reduction technologies, having signed a contract with Alfa Laval to purchase an exhaust gas scrubber for its vessel MS Finnmerchant.
"This investment allows even more environmental-friendly and cost-effective services offered to the new Hanko-Rostock-route customers," the ro-ro and passenger services operator said.
In December, Finnlines CEO Emanuele Grimaldi said stricter sulfur rules in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) had made the issue of fuel consumption "more critical than ever."
"That's why more fuel efficient operators can compete better in this market," he said.
Grimaldi has previously said that other retrofits to its fleet have reduced fuel consumption by 2000-2500 tons per vessel per year.
Since January 1, 2015, marine fuel used by vessels operating within ECAs is limited to a maximum sulfur content of 0.10 percent by weight, down from the previous limit of 1.0 percent, but otherwise non-compliant fuel is permitted if technology, such as a scrubber, reduces vessel emissions by an equivalent amount.
In December last year Finnlines said that the new ECA rules contributed to its decision to cancel its charter of passenger and RoRo freight vessel Finnsailor when its current deal came to an end on January 1, 2015.
