EMEA News
DFDS: Scrubbers Pay off for ECA Compliance, but LNG Bunkers More Efficient Solution for Newbuilds
Denmark-based DFDS says that scrubber installations on existing vessels for Emission Control Area (ECA) compliance has paid off, but adds that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the most efficient solution for newbuilds.
"Though those 70-tonne, very big scrubber installations cost €3-4 million per ship, they enable us to continue using the cheaper heavy fuel oil so we can keep costs down and thus gain a competitive advantage, while at the same time reducing the emissions of sulfur to the required level," explained DFDS.
One such route seeing benefit was between Rosyth and Zeebrugge, which was said to be in profit for the first time.
DFDS said it invested 6 million euros in the route, including a scrubber installation on board the ship, fuel optimisation, and improved infrastructure in the Scottish terminal.
During the 2015 year, DFDS installed scrubbers on six of its vessels, bringing the total number of ships operated by the company with scrubbers to 17, a development that DFDS says makes the company "a leader in scrubber re-fitting globally."
"Other means of reducing sulfur dioxide pollution and complying with the new regulations, such as using LNG, are being considered for the future.
"In general, we believe the LNG solution is more efficient for new ships," concluded DFDS.
In July, Ship & Bunker reported that DFDS and Scotland-based Forth Ports Limited had plans to invest €6 million ($6.6 million) into scrubbers and infrastructure upgrades at Scotland's Port of Rosyth.
Also in July, Interferry announced that five of its members, including DFDS, would receive €48 million ($53.09 million) in grants from the European Union (EU) to offset the cost of installing exhaust scrubber systems for compliance with ECA rules.
