Exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) – more commonly referred to as scrubbers – are an accepted equivalent measure in complying with the IMO 2020 global sulphur cap. The use of scrubbers has split the shipping industry. Ports around the world are looking at the impact of scrubber use in their waters.
A number of ports and regions have already stated that they will not allow the discharge of washwater from scrubbers.
This information is to the best of our knowledge and is for guidance only. For up to date and definitive information, contact the local authorities or agents.
| Country | Port | Open loop EGCS discharge allowed? | Comments |
| Argentina | All | Yes – the prohibition is currently suspended |
Regulation No. 15/2020 of the Environment Protection Bureau, which came into force on 10 August 2020 , prohibited the discharge of washwater from the exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) of national or foreign-flagged vessels into Argentinean jurisdictional, sea or river waters. On 24 September 2020, Prefectura Naval Argentina issued Resolution DISFC-2020-22-APN-DPAM#PNA that suspended the enforcement of the above Resolution 15/2020. This resolution took effect from 3 October 2020. IT&L Legal Consultants warn that this suspension is provisional, and the restrictions have not been permanently overturned.
|
| Brazil | All (except Vale terminals) | Yes |
Prior to 23 July 2020, advice received from local correspondents was “ based on existing provisions in national legislation, especially Law 9.966/00, the discharge of effluents generated by Scrubbers or Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) is not allowed and the vessel, when in Brazilian waters, must operate with fuel within specifications (sulphur content up to 0.5% m/m)”. However, correspondents Brazmar advised on 23 July 2020 that the Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC) / Navy have changed their previous guidance on the topic, and that the discharge of wash water from open loop and/or hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) is allowed within Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters until the competent environmental authority has the opportunity to better assess the scenario. This is under the assumption that the subject EGCS is approved by Class, has a plan for compliance of SOx emissions and is approved as per requirements of resolution MEPC.259 (68) of IMO.
|
| Brazil | Vale ports and terminals | No |
Vale instruct arriving vessels that the discharge of EGCS washwater is not allowed while operating in its Brazilian ports and terminals. Vale recommends that vessels should be changed over to compliant fuel before entering contiguous zone or coastal waters (24 nautical miles from coastline). |
| India | Adani Ports | No |
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd has issued a circular advising that the discharge of washwater from open-loop scrubbers is prohibited. The instruction, which can be read here includes:
Above will come into force 1 November 2020.
|
| Oman | All | No |
Open-loop scrubber discharge is not permitted in Oman territorial waters
|
A full copy of the list continuing the 31 ports’ stance on scrubbers can be accessed here.
Related: North P&I Club: No Scrubs- More Ports Declare Ban on EGCS Discharges *Update*
Source: North P&I Club
Photo credit: Manifold Times
LNG as bunker fuel has lost its competitiveness to conventional fuels with operators of LNG vessels increasingly buying VLSFO and LSMGO, shows report.
World's largest scrubber manufacturer, Wartsila noted the value of its new orders fell by 40% in the second quarter from a year ago, to USD 136mn from USD 226mn.
Despite narrowing price spread between HSFO and VLSFO, stakeholders anticipate increased uptake of scrubbers for larger ships as returns are still attractive, says DNV GL.
Study acknowledges scrubbers are effective at reducing air emissions of SO2, however the contaminants are dumped overboard in the form of washwater.
CO2 capture feature could be applied to any Langh Tech closed loop or hybrid scrubber systems with relatively low-cost impact, with only minor changes to existing system.
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.
Program introduces periodic assessments, mass flow metering data analysis, and regular training for relevant key personnel to better handle the MFMS to ensure a high level of continuous operational competency.
U.S. Claims Register Summary recorded a total USD 833 million claim from a total 180 creditors against O.W. Bunker USA, according to the creditor list seen by Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
Glencore purchased fuel through Straits Pinnacle which contracted supply from Unicious Energy. Contaminated HSFO was loaded at Khor Fakkan port and shipped to a FSU in Tanjong Pelepas, Malaysia to be further blended.
Individuals were employees of surveying companies engaged by Shell to inspect the volume of oil loaded onto the vessels which Shell supplied oil to; they allegedly accepted bribes totalling at least USD 213,000.
MPA preliminary investigations revealed that the affected marine fuel was supplied by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd who later sold part of the same cargo to PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
‘MPA had immediately contacted the relevant bunker suppliers to take necessary steps to ensure that the relevant batch of fuel was no longer supplied. Further investigations are currently on-going,’ it informs.
