EGCSA ‘disappointed’ in Fujairah scrubber wash water discharge ban

The Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Association (EGCSA) says it is “disappointed” in a recent ban by the Port of Fujairah to ban the use of open-loop scrubbers within its waters.

“We are disappointed to learn of the ban by the Port of Fujairah on open-loop scrubber wash water discharge,” said Don Gregory, Director of EGCSA, in a statement.

“This is unfortunate at a time when the shipping industry is working hard to reduce sulphur emissions and may well lead to a setback in the progress already made in reducing emissions.

“The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) carefully investigated exhaust gas cleaning systems before sanctioning their use to meet the 2020 global 0.5 sulphur cap.

“We urge other ports and other authorities to research the matter in depth before making hasty decisions inspired by exaggerated claims that may have a very significant, negative impact on the shipping industry and may also undermine the credibility of the IMO Marine Protection Environment Committee who spent time weighing all the sides of the argument before deciding to include compliance methods such as marine scrubbers in regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI.”

EGCSA in December expressed similar views on a decision by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to ban the discharge of wash water from open-loop scrubbers from 2020.

Related: EGCSA comments on Singapore open-loop scrubber wash water ban

Photo credit: Port of Fujairah
Published: 30 January, 2019