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:
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
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.
‘We advise clients to monitor the situation and ensure that crew onboard vessels fitted with open loop scrubbers are aware of any local discharge requirements,’ it said.
A unique digital predictive maintenance product, the MVP for scrubbers will provide continuous fleet-wide insight into vessel compliance and scrubber utilisation.
Closure of discharge valves advised whilst ships are in Turkish waters due to wide interpretation of the term ‘pollutant’ by authorities despite circular guidelines.
Captures differentials of compliant and high sulphur fuel; ‘significantly de-risking initial investment’, says CEO.
Bunker fuel prices have been unstable since the implementation of IMO 2020 and with it, the premium for scrubber-fitted bulk carriers, says shipbroking firm.
Garren Hay will be responsible for sales of the PANOLIN range of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants for the Singapore sole distributor agent Gealubes Consulting & Trading Pte Ltd.
Universal Alliance, BMS United, Digiland International, Goodwood Associates, Southernpec (Singapore), and Taigu Energy were involved in alleged circular fictitious trades of fuel oil during July 2015.
Bunker orders of ISO 8217:2010 spec LS 380 cSt 0.5% for Nord Gemini, Nord Titan, Ocean Rosemary, and Luzern were placed through global commodities trading and logistics house Trafigura Pte Ltd.
While Covid-19 concerns are important, Captain Rahul Choudhuri was quick to note this does not mean bunker fuel related issues have indeed disappeared from the shipping sector.
‘Therefore, representing the players of the Malaysian bunker industry, we sincerely hope that this matter can be refined and reconsidered immediately so that all parties benefit together,’ says communication.
Maureen Poh, a Director of Helmsman LLC, offers plain practical tips on the differences between US and EU Sanctions and shares some thoughts on what companies could do if they are potentially exposed to sanctioned entities.
