Scott Oh, Director, Asia Operations at Wärtsilä Exhaust Treatment, recently shared with Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times on their success in the current market for scrubbers and recent scrubber sales in Asia as well as elaborates on its CCS-Ready 35MW scrubber:

With the wide and relatively stable spread between high and low sulphur fuels, scrubbers continue to present a favourable economic proposition, and payback time has now reached less than two years for several vessel types. 

These technologies’ role in Global Sulphur Cap compliance is well known. But, today, beyond solely tackling SOx, scrubbers have become a platform from which multiple technologies can work together in the stack and throughout the exhaust chain. This includes tackling NOx emissions by adding selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) or exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR) to ensure compliance with MARPOL Tier III requirements. In addition, scrubbers can reduce Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 levels below even standard land-based requirements and a filter can be applied to capture microplastics. 

Finally, and most importantly, scrubbers can now also be installed in a way that sees them primed and ready for onboard CO2 capture and storage (CCS), making them a futureproofed investment for achieving marine decarbonisation goals in a short timeframe. This has been particularly recognised in Asia and by Asian shipowners, because it is here where Wärtsilä received its first order for CCS-Ready scrubbers in November 2022. This landmark order includes systems for four 8,200 TEU container vessels which will be fitted with Wärtsilä’s CCS-Ready 35MW scrubber in an open loop configuration. 

At its core, CCS-Ready means that Wärtsilä is conducting the requisite engineering and naval architecture at the outset to ensure adequate space for the future installation of a CCS system, as well as incorporating considerations for minimising idle load and optimising utilities, and preparing the control and automation system. 

Owners are looking to future-proof their existing fleet and newbuildings while the regulatory environment is still evolving and at a time when yard space is in high demand. Concurrently, they are taking advantage of higher charter rates, particularly in the container ship market, so for retrofits, minimising off-hire time is critical. They need a partner that has the ability, relationships and experience to cooperate with yards and manage the process from sales to installation. 

A first 2D layout drawing provides owners with an understanding of the scope of the installation and enables onboard space to be reserved. A full technical feasibility study can then be undertaken before or after contract signing. Owners typically make most decisions within the first four weeks after contract signing. This is when the equipment, piping and possible tanks are modelled, and owners may consider their preferences, such as tank locations, to ensure the design process is straightforward.

This phase also includes considerations on how best to futureproof the installation, leaving room for adaptation to CCS or hybrid functionality. The work required to allow for a CCS add-on is mainly done on the drawings at this stage, but some modifications can be made to the scrubber body. Space will need to be reserved above the scrubber and the funnel may need raising a few metres. In some cases, it makes sense to do this as early as possible.

Shipyard involvement is critical. Generally, shipyards should take the input of suppliers and ‘own’ the detailed designs themselves, ensuring a smooth and fast process that avoids confusion during installation. Co-operation between the basic and detailed designer remains important, and a good scrubber manufacturer will act as a link between all parties. In some cases, it is personal relationships and prudent communication skills more than the contract that can ensure positive, timely outcomes.

Wärtsilä has a strong presence in the Asian scrubber market after receiving Type Approval from the China Classification Society (CCS) in 2020. This was achieved when Dalian Shipbuilding Industry ordered a scrubber for the New Treasure, a newbuild VLCC. The vessel was built for Associated Maritime of Hong Kong, part of the China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) group, the largest VLCC owner in China.

Owners’ confidence in scrubbers as a technology platform for compliance with IMO goals and the wider decarbonisation picture has increased with advanced scrubber solutions, and by choosing the right partners, they can be confident they will overcome the engineering challenges and remain competitive. 

Photo credit: Wärtsilä
Published: 3 August, 2023