Scrubber Systems in the Marine Industry

Scrubber systems have become an essential technology for lowering sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships as the marine sector throughout the world continues to confront more and more environmental laws. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2020 sulfur cap, which sets a worldwide sulfur content limit of 0.50% m/m and a regional restriction of 0.10% m/m for designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs), is mostly met by the shipping industry thanks to these solutions.

What Are Scrubber Systems?

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), another name for scrubber systems, are systems placed aboard ships to extract sulfur oxides from the exhaust gases generated by boilers and marine engines. Scrubbers enable boats to use fuels with greater sulfur content while still adhering to pollution rules. This flexibility can result in considerable cost savings, particularly in areas where the cost or availability of low-sulfur fuel is higher.

Types of Scrubber Systems

There are three main types of scrubber systems used in the marine industry:

1. Open-Loop Scrubbers: These systems use seawater to wash exhaust gases. The natural alkalinity of seawater neutralises sulfur oxides, converting them into harmless sulfate salts that are discharged back into the sea. Open-loop scrubbers are cost-effective but are subject to regional regulations on water discharge.
2. Closed-Loop Scrubbers: These systems use freshwater mixed with an alkaline substance, to neutralise sulfur oxides. The wash water is recirculated within the system, and any waste is treated before discharge. Closed-loop scrubbers are suitable for use in areas where water discharge is restricted.
3. Hybrid Scrubbers: Hybrid systems offer the flexibility to operate in either open-loop or closed-loop mode, depending on the ship’s location and the local environmental regulations. This adaptability makes hybrid scrubbers a popular choice for vessels operating in diverse regions.

Benefits of Scrubber Systems

The adoption of scrubber systems offers several benefits to shipowners and operators:

• Compliance with Regulations: Scrubbers enable ships to meet international and regional emission standards, ensuring legal compliance and avoiding fines or detentions.
• Cost Savings: By allowing the use of higher-sulfur fuel oils, scrubbers can reduce fuel costs significantly, especially when low-sulfur alternatives are expensive or scarce.
• Environmental Impact: While scrubbers allow the use of cheaper, higher-sulfur fuels, they still contribute to reducing overall SOx emissions, mitigating the environmental impact of shipping activities.

Challenges and Considerations

Scrubber systems have become an integral part of the marine industry’s strategy to reduce sulfur emissions and comply with environmental regulations. By offering flexible and cost-effective solutions with a reliable supply of key chemicals, scrubbers help ship owners navigate the complexities of the modern regulatory landscape while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for maritime operations.

In this context, Comercial Godó’s SailBlue® Marine Division offers a critical advantage for ship operators looking to enhance the performance and sustainability of their emission control systems. In addition to SOx reduction agents, SailBlue® urea solution provides a non-hazardous, eco-friendly solution that aligns with the latest advancements in NOx emissions reduction. Drawing from its extensive experience in the automotive sector with AdBlue® AUS32, Comercial Godó ensures that SailBlue® maintains the highest quality standards, supported by the ISO 9001 management system.

By integrating SailBlue® Maritime solutions into their operations, shipowners can address many of the challenges associated with scrubber systems, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while also benefiting from a reliable, sustainable solution tailored to meet the demands of the maritime industry.