• Follow Us On Our Preferred Social Media Platform:

North P&I Club: No Scrubs: More ports declare ban on EGCS discharges *Update*

14 Oct 2020

The North P&I Club on Tuesday (13 October) published an update on the stands taken by international ports on the use of scrubbers and the allowance of EGCS discharge. Based on the earlier published chart, the following are countries that have been added to the list:

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 ECGS Allowed? Comments
New Zealand Yes Yes- but discouraged Maritime NZ issue ‘Guidance on the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) for ports, regional authorities and ships’.

 

The guidance is non-statutory, but MNZ encourages the industry to implement the following measures until work currently underway in respect to the use of scrubbers has been completed.

They request that all ships carrying scrubbers and operating in New Zealand’s territorial waters engage with the relevant port and regional authorities, and as a precautionary measure that where possible they avoid discharging scrubber effluent close to shore by utilising alternate options such as:

  • preparing for entry into New Zealand waters by carrying compliant low sulphur fuel in order to use this when operating in sensitive environments, as identified by the relevant regional authorities.
  • operating closed loop scrubber functionality in zero discharge mode and retaining any effluent on board until able to dispose of at the next available port facility.
  • discharging any open loop scrubber washwater outside territorial waters.

https://www.mfe.govt.nz/marine/guidance-use-of-exhaust-gas-cleaning-systems-scrubbers

 

Norway The World Heritage Fjords sea areas of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord Restricted The World Heritage Fjords sea areas of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord restrict the use of open loop scrubbers, but not closed loop. Section 14b of the relevant Norwegian Maritime Authority’s regulation can be accessed at the link here.

·           

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*


Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 14 October, 2020

Related News

Featured News

Our Industry Partners

PR Newswire