Finland-based scrubber manufacturer Langh Tech says the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) with a scrubber remains the “sensible option” to meet the stricter sulphur limit of 0.5% coming 2020.
“Given the continued concern surrounding methane slip, LNG fuel could potentially be more environmentally hazardous than the current arrangement, while the direct and indirect costs associated with burning low sulphur fuels would have a considerable impact on the shipowners P+L [profit and loss],” says Langh Tech Managing Director Laura Langh-Lagerlof at an Amsterdam conference.
“The low viscosity, low lubricity, acidity, flashpoint and cylinder oil compatibility of these expensive fuels could also result in corrosion issues and other engine problems. With a scrubber, at least there’s a return on the investment.”
Referring to the practical and operational experience of the Langh Tech scrubber installations aboard Langh Ship’s fleet of five containerships, Langh-Lagerlof explained that scrubber technology is the only viable option in meeting the regulatory requirement.
An example is Langh Tech’s closed loop scrubber which removes sulphur oxides from HFO exhaust emissions without resulting in a corrosive wash water typical of other exhaust gas cleaning systems.
“With increasing concern about the corrosive properties of wash water corroding pipework, our lightweight, compact scrubber technology manages to extract almost all the water from the scrubber sludge, with the end result being simply a dry black waste that can be effortlessly and cost-effectively disposed off,” she said.
Some shipowners, meanwhile, are also using scrubbers to meet the approaching sulphur limit.
Independent commodity trading and logistics house Trafigura in March says it is planning to install scrubbers on 32 newbuild oil and product tankers.
In the same month, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries held a signing and naming ceremony for a scrubber-equipped VLCC, the first of two ships ordered by Greek shipowner Almi Tankers in August 2016.
Related: Trafigura’s 32 newbuildings to be scrubber equipped
Related: Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries deliver scrubber-equipped VLCC
Photo credit: Langh Tech
Published: 19 April, 2018
Stakeholders are encouraged to make use of IMO-developed guidelines for upcoming 2020, advises IBIA.
Some countries pleading for a transition period after 1 January 2020, expressing concerns about fuel availability, disruption of trade, and more.
Key points include developments on EEDI, BWM Convention, SOx and fuel, and GHG emission reductions.
Price effects from implementing new standard will be most acute in 2020 and will diminish over time.
Charterparties, where obligation to provide bunkers is on the charterer will require close attention.
Contracts expected to launch on February 4, 2019 subject to completion of relevant regulatory processes.
‘Bunker barges operate in very local areas so these vessels call at port very often which means it will be a good fit for women with families,’ states Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International.
“Our Singapore branch is under preparation and is expected to start business at the republic before June 2023,” Managing Director Darcy Wong tells bunkering publication Manifold Times in an interview.
Development to supply B35 biodiesel blend officially takes effect on 1 February; local bunker suppliers will be able to deliver updated spec within March onwards, once current stocks of B30 avails run out.
VPS, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and INTERTANKO executives offered a multitude of perspectives to 73 attendees during the VPS Biofuels Seminar, reports Manifold Times.
Headway will launch a new fuel supply system suitable for alternative bunker fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia; to focus on procurement and construction of carbon capture systems in 2023 following R&D.
Competition for FAME from aviation and road transportation sectors have resulted in some shipowners resorting to adopt more readily available CNSL blends as biofuel for vessels, explains Steve Bee.
