MOL to Study Using Scrubbers for 0.5% Global Sulfur Cap Compliance

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday June 7, 2016

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) Monday said it was entering into a joint study to equip in-service vessels with scrubber systems in preparation for the 0.50 percent global sulfur cap expected in 2020.

Scrubbers, also known as exhaust gas cleaning systems, allow vessels to continue to burn otherwise non-compliant HFO bunkers instead of switching to a more expensive compliant low-slufur fuel.

ClassNK, Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Sanwa Dock Co., Ltd., and Wärtsilä Japan Ltd. are the other companies involved in the study.

"The study targets car carriers, because their structure makes it more technically challenging to add scrubber systems, compared to other types of vessels. It also focuses on ships already in service, which are more difficult to equip with scrubbers than newbuilding vessels," said MOL.

"The project participants will develop detailed specifications for the scrubber system and use the latest technologies such as 3D scanning to promote operational efficiency in installation process. In addition, the joint approach with ClassNK and Wärtsilä Japan allows for more diversified study, aiming for results that will streamline the development of ship class rules and guidelines."

Last week Ship & Bunker reported that the Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Association (EGCSA) had declared the marine scrubber industry had "ample scrubber capacity for 2020" and is ready to help shipping comply with the 0.50 percent global sulfur cap.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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