ABS Updates Scrubber Advisory as 2020 Compliance Support

ABS' updated advisory is intended to support preparations tighter sulfur regs in 2020. Image Credit: ABS

In a move aimed at supporting industry preparations for the 0.50 percent global cap on sulfur in marine fuels in 2020, ABS has issued an updated "ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems (Scrubber Advisory)."

Dr. Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President for Global Marine, commenting on the updated advisory, said: "as I meet with owners and operators around the globe, there is a common focus on how best to comply with the upcoming global sulfur cap.

"This advisory provides in-depth guidance on scrubber technology selection and comes just as the marine industry is weighing the right compliance options for their fleets."

The updated advisory includes background information on air emission regulations and details different types of available scrubber technologies, as well as the associated installation and operational challenges for each.

"As we close in on 2020, scrubbers are under increasing consideration as a solution for many vessels," said Thomas Kirk, ABS Director of Environmental Performance.

"By utilising this Advisory to understand the unique characteristics of the available scrubber technologies, the marine industry will be able to make smarter decisions on the future of their fleets."

ABS notes that it has also published the "ABS Guide for Exhaust Emission Abatement," intended for vessels fitted with an exhaust emission abatement system, including SOx scrubbers, selective catalytic reduction systems, and exhaust gas recirculation for NOx emission control.

The ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems is available here: https://ww2.eagle.org/content/dam/eagle/publications/2017/Exhaust_Gas_Scrubber_Systems_Advisory_17125.pdf