Netherlands-based independent environmental problem research and consultancy organisation CE Delft on Monday (14 September) said it has published a new study commissioned by three major EGCS suppliers – ‘Comparison of CO2 emissions of MARPOL Annex VI compliance options in 2020’.
The study reports that the CO2-emissions associated using an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS, or scrubbers) vary between 1.5% and 3% for a number of representative ships.
In many cases, the emissions caused by producing low-sulphur fuels for these ships are higher, depending on the quality of the low-sulphur fuel, the refinery and the crude oil slate, it said.
It added that as of January 1st, 2020, the sulphur content of fuel oils used outside Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) is 0.50% m/m. Inside ECAs, the limit has been 0.10% m/m since 2015. In practice, there are two options to comply with the MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14:
Both options result in an increase of well-to-wake CO2 emissions:
CE Delft states that this report quantifies and compares the CO2 footprint of both options.
It explained that while desulphurisation inevitably leads to an improvement of the fuel quality in terms of aromatics content and viscosity, the increase of emissions associated with desulphurisation in a refinery are higher than 1% – and in many cases multiple times higher, depending on the quality improvement of the fuel, the refinery layout and the crude used.
“This study provides a comprehensive overview of the climate impacts of different options to reduce sulphur emissions,” said Jasper Faber, Manager Mobility & Transport CE Delft.
“It shows that in many cases, the carbon footprint of using a scrubber is lower than low-sulphur fuels.”
A copy of the study is available for download here.
Photo credit: CE Delft
Published: 15 September, 2020
To date, TORM has installed 46 scrubbers, with four remaining to be installed in 2021 and Q1 2022, including the two scrubbers for the LR2 newbuildings.
Attached table outlines North’s updated insight on the stands taken by ports that have or will prohibit the use of scrubbers, or have placed conditions on their use.
In Q1 2020, South Africa was required to complete a study on the impact of scrubber wash water discharge on the environment before making an informed decision.
‘As the price spread seems to have found a steady level slightly above USD 100 per MT, investors are likely to order new ships with a scrubber preinstalled,’ it said.
The EU environment committee has voted for a ‘phase-out’ of open-loop exhaust scrubbers and calls for members to proceed with its own efforts to decarbonise shipping.
Two ultra-large container ships with scrubbers installed continued use of existing fuel oil while meeting all SOx emission regulations.
Associate Director at Helmsman highlights the need to stay up-to-date with latest protocols / measures introduced by MPA, with continuous education of Master and crew of the visiting vessel.
BunkerPlanner Lite is an attempt to educate professionals engaged in bunker decisions about the use of advanced technology in the decision process, explains BunkerMetric CEO Christian Plum.
Senior Associate at Clyde & Co offers guidance to protect shipowners and bunker tanker operators in the event opposing counterparty breaches Covid-19 protocols, resulting in Covid-19 transmission.
Having a surveyor’s watchful eye to detect illegal activities also sends a strong signal to barge and vessel crew not to undertake any intended non-compliance, states VPS Senior Sales Manager.
Bunker tanker owner’s trust in LR and Metcore’s expertise proves duo’s experience in bunkering MFMs and unceasing support made the difference in ensuring trust during bunker transactions.
‘To be clear, the activities undertaken by Ang outside of Sea Hub are categorically unrelated to the current non-active status of the company,’ Glen Lim, Shipping Director of Sea hub, tells Manifold Times.
